Right-wing archbishop hijacking Francis visit

Dear Faithful America member,

Pope Francis is visiting Philadelphia next month for the World Meeting of Families, and the local conservative archbishop is hijacking the event to promote his own right-wing agenda -- by inviting advocates for anti-gay conversion therapy to give speeches, lead workshops, and sell their books and other materials.

The World Meeting of Families is an international Catholic conference, organized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and more than 2 million people are expected to attend. But instead of including all families, the archdiocese has banned a number of Catholic organizations that minister to LGBT families from participating.

Meanwhile, numerous right-wing extremists have been invited to participate -- even those who promote therapies designed to change people from gay to straight. This cruel practice, rejected by the American Psychological Association and legally banned in four states, tells gay people they are "broken" and in need of "repair," often leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

There is no place for the mental torture of gay people in Pope Francis's vision for a welcoming and compassionate church. We need to demand that Archbishop Chaput stand with Francis and disinvite these extremists immediately.

Tell Philadelphia archbishop: Disinvite advocates for conversion therapy from Pope Francis conference

Thanks!

- Michael

---

For more information:

"During U.S. Visit, Pope To Attend Conference With People Who Think Homosexuality Can Be Cured," Think Progess, August 22, 2015

"Pope to Attend Major Catholic Gathering Featuring Supporters of Ex-Gay Therapy," Southern Poverty Law Center, August 19, 2015