‘Gay agenda’ at the World Meeting of Families? Not at all, Philly Archdiocese says

Last updated on: June 1, 2015 at 2:47 am by CNA Daily News

‘Gay agenda’ at the World Meeting of Families? Not at all, Philly Archdiocese says 2015-06-01T02:47:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Philadelphia, Pa., May 31, 2015 / 08:47 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In response to claims that a “homosexual activist” is acting as “gatekeeper” to exhibitors at the upcoming World Meeting of Families, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has said that nothing could be farther from the truth.

“Recently, some confusion has arisen regarding who is responsible for determining eligibility for individuals and groups applying to become exhibitors at the World Meeting of Families Congress in September,” the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Director of Communications, Kenneth Gavin said in a statement provided to CNA May 31.

“That confusion was a result of erroneous and ill-informed blog posts,” he said, explaining that the archdiocese and the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) are “the only ones who approve or reject all exhibitor applications, and not any vendor.”

While the help of a third party management company, Talley Management Group, Inc., has been enlisted for the upcoming event, it is not responsible for reviewing or approving exhibitor requests, as stated in the WMOF exhibitor terms and conditions.

“They’ve been contracted for logistical support and nothing else. All exhibits are vetted by our content team which is thoroughly Catholic, and we've turned away a variety of potential exhibitors on both right and left that don't fit the tone of the event,” Gavin said.

“In fact they don’t have any influence on WMOF content,” he stressed.

The Philadelphia Archdiocese’s statement comes in light of a recent blog post from Michael Hichborn claiming that a “homosexual activist” is the “gatekeeper” to the WMOF exhibition floor and marketplace area.

Hichborn took issue with posts from the personal Facebook page of a Talley Management Group employee, Teresa Matozzo who is listed as the WMOF Exhibits and Sponsorship Manager.

He found posts dating as far back as 2010 in which Matozzo expressed the desire to marry her lesbian partner and uploaded a picture of herself holding a rainbow colored flag at a “gay pride” event.

He encouraged his readers to contact the World Meeting of Families directly, but did not provide comments from either the World Meeting of Families or the Archdiocese of Philadelphia himself.

In the terms and conditions page for prospective exhibitors, it states that the show manager is working under the advisement of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families.

“In keeping with the Catholic mission of this event, all materials and products being promoted, distributed or sold at the World Meeting of Families must be in conformity with the Magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church,” the terms and conditions state.

Previous Post

May 31, 2015

Are farming co-ops just a hipster trend? These Catholics beg to differ

Next Post

June 1, 2015 Indifference to migrants is unacceptable, Pope tells Dominican Republic bishops

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I brought musicians and singers to serve before the ark, establishing worship in Israel. Who am I?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Solomon Asaph David Heman