Bishop Fabbro's Statement on King's Decision to Raise the Progress Pride Flag

June 1, 2021

In the announcement of the decision to raise the Progress Pride Flag, King's states that it respects the dignity of all persons and is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive community for all. In particular, it mentions members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, people of colour, indigenous people and the broad range of marginalized groups symbolized by the Progress Pride Flag. King's affirms that it is raising the flag as a Catholic University. Its intention in raising the flag is to be welcoming and inclusive not to endorse "specific sociological or philosophical theories regarding gender and sexuality". I encourage everyone to read the statements on King's website. [link]

While King's and others have embraced the flag to be welcoming and inclusive, it is a source of confusion for others in the Catholic community. For many, it goes beyond being welcoming and inclusive and shows support for political causes that are at odds with traditional religious beliefs. Flags are symbols and as such are subject to various interpretations. The Church does not accept every interpretation that is given to this flag, and for this reason I do not endorse raising the flag in our Catholic universities and schools.

In its announcement, King's refers to the teaching of our Church that all people, including members of marginalized groups, must be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity. They are our sisters and brothers, and we must love them and walk with them. Unjust discrimination against them is wrong. This is the witness that we must all give by the lives we lead. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, King's makes the important point that the encounter with Jesus transforms us and gives life "a new horizon and a decisive direction". It is unfortunate that public discussion around the flag is often not respectful and thoughtful. King's encourages scholarly and respectful dialogue on social, political and ethical issues. It is committed to opening minds and hearts to "a new horizon and a decisive direction" for our life together in society according to faith and reason.