In Cardinal Francis George's memo issued to all the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago the Cardinal said "The policy of the U.S. Conference of Bishops is to not give Communion to those wearing the Sash." This is a misleading statement, to absolve the Cardinal from his personal responsibility for denying Rainbow Sash Members Communion at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Pentecost Sunday. According to the Catholic News Wire Service, a USCCB spokesman, David Early, told Catholic News Service, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops has no such policy.

In the interests of reconciliation I believe Cardinal Francis George should issue an apology to Cardinal Roger Mahony of LA, Archbishop Harry Flynn of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Bishop Mathew Clark of Rochester, NY. These Bishops gave Rainbow Sash Members Communion. Also, I believe an apology is due Cardinal George's priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago, for putting them in such a difficult and awkward position. Finally, I prayerfully hope the Cardinal will apologize to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community of Chicago for the harm he has caused our community; especially those that were denied Communion on Pentecost Sunday.

Until then, I and all the members of the Rainbow Sash Movement will keep Cardinal George in our prayers.