The Los Angeles Dodgers, a prominent Major League Baseball team, have found themselves embroiled in controversy after re-establishing a partnership with a drag group that is accused of mocking nuns and being “anti-Catholic.”
This move has sparked outrage among the Christian community in the area, who perceive the partnership as disrespectful and offensive.
In response to the partnership between the LA Dodgers and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, CatholicVote, a prominent lay Catholic organisation in the US, is considering creating a $1 million (£801,405) advertisement advocating for a boycott of the sports team.
The controversy emerged when the LA Dodgers initially announced their collaboration with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for an event scheduled on June 16th. This decision caused an outcry within the US Christian community, prompting the team’s management to reverse their decision.
However, this reversal led to a backlash from LA pride groups who criticised the Dodgers for not upholding their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Consequently, the sports team reconsidered their stance and is currently making preparations to proceed with the performance later this month.
In a statement, the Dodgers expressed their regret and offered apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and their friends and families. The team cited the influence of feedback from various communities, internal discussions within their organisation, and constructive dialogues with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as factors that contributed to their change of heart.
“We have asked the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to take their place on the field at our 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night on June 16. We are pleased to share that they have agreed to receive the gratitude of our collective communities for the lifesaving work that they have done tirelessly for decades.”
A number of players have spoken out, criticising the invite, including Christian Blake Treinen. In a statement, he said: “I am disappointed to see the Sister’s [sic] of Perpetual Indulgence being honoured as heroes at Dodger Stadium.”
“Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.
“I understand that playing baseball is a privilege, and not a right. My convictions in Jesus Christ will always come first. Since I have been with the Dodger’s [sic] they have been at the forefront of supporting a wide variety of groups.”
The group in question is known as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a non-profit organisation that claims to use religious imagery and satire to raise funds for charity. Founded in 1979, the group has become synonymous with challenging Christian views on sexuality, gender, and homosexuality.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have faced criticism in the past for their provocative performances and public appearances, often featuring drag queens dressed as nuns. They have been accused of belittling religious symbols and mocking the Catholic Church’s teachings and traditions.
Upon hearing the news of the Dodgers’ renewed partnership with the controversial group, Christians in the Los Angeles area voiced their concerns. Many argue on social media that the partnership undermines their faith and shows a lack of respect for their religious beliefs. They believe that by aligning themselves with an organisation that mocks nuns, the Dodgers are endorsing anti-Catholic sentiments.
We are in spiritual warfare. God wins🙏
The Dodgers’ Blake Treinen joins pitcher @ClaytonKersh22 in speaking out against the team for honoring anti-Catholic and Christian hate group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. https://t.co/vBIqd6uyaJ
— Amber LoveHealsAll (@a_lovehealsall) June 2, 2023
