Boston gays, lesbians draw support from Catholic Mass

Boston’s Rainbow Ministry of St. Cecilia’s Church opened its doors to nearly 700 people Sunday for a long-awaited Mass in support of gay and lesbian Catholics, ending a month of controversy over the Boston Archdiocese’s postponement of the service. A standing-room-only crowd, larger than Easter Sunday’s, packed the pews to hear a message of love, acceptance, and the forgiveness of sins. The congregation was encouraged to welcome outcasts as Jesus did 2,000 years ago. Many in the congregation wore “All Are Welcome’’ buttons showing a cross and a rainbow. “Thank you for saying, ‘This is who we are,’ ’’ Rev. John J. Unni said to gay and lesbian parishioners at the end of Mass. “You are a beautiful and integral part of this parish.’’

[via The Boston Globe]