Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Devine claimed during a lecture that the "gay lobby" attends Holocaust memorials "to create for themselves the image of a group of people under persecution."

In a lecture titled Sectarianism and Secularism: Bugbears for the Catholic Church, the bishop claimed there is a "giant conspiracy" going on and said he is taking on the forces of secularism.

"Like Mel Gibson, who said, 'I'm going to pick a fight', so am I," the bishop said.

"The homosexual lobby has been extremely effective in aligning itself with minority groups.

"It is ever present at the service each year for the Holocaust memorial, as if to create for themselves the image of a group of people under persecution."

He criticised the decision to honour Sir Ian McKellen for his work for equality, pointing out that Oscar Wilde was jailed for homosexual offences.

He also took the opportunity to give advice to parents of gay children.

"This must be a nightmare moment for any parent," he said.

"I would try to handle it with a degree of compassion.

"But I would not tolerate that kind of behaviour. I would not condemn but I would not tolerate it."

PinkNews reports:

Between 5,000 and 15,000 gay men were held in concentration camps by the Nazis as members of an "anti-social group."

Historians estimate that 60% of them died while incarcerated.

After the war gay men were not recognised as victims of the Holocaust and many were re-imprisoned by the authorities because of the sexuality.

They were denied the reparations and state pensions available to other groups.

Last year Bishop Devine said he would close the Roman Catholic adoption agencies rather than help same-sex couples to adopt children.

He also attempted to interfere in the democratic process by publicly withdrawing his backing from the Labour party in last year's elections for the Scottish parliament.

Last update: 03-13-2008 17:07

Posted by Tallon, on 03-13-2008 19:07, 1. Retarded Wow, what a retard. I'm sorry, but that is really absolutely stupid.    GAYS are the ones who are trying to paint themselves as persecuted? Really? 'Cause last time I saw, they're just minding their own business, while Christians everywhere are whining about being persecuted when someone makes fun of one of their leaders or rolls their eyes at their faith (you call THAT persecution?).   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by VickiLynne, on 03-16-2008 13:14, 2. He's so Ignorant - He's Funny! LOL! and Lord have mercy, the Holocaust?!  And, who said ignorance was bliss?   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by John F Medeiros, on 03-16-2008 15:31, 3. Retired Army Master Sergeant It's a pity that a man seemingly so educated has chosen to follow the path of bigotry. That certainly doesn't say much for the leadership of the Catholic church. I wonder what the "ole boys in red dresses" talk about when they get together at the Vatican. I'm sure more than one of them has fond memories of abusing kids and is grateful for the "ole boy" system of covering up for each other throughout their careers. I wonder, too, if more than one reached his position as a result of knowing each other's secrets. So much for faith!! It's all a sham. Seems the older flocks are really sheep.   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Jake, on 03-18-2008 15:18, 4. Leadership of Catholic Church The way I see it, and being born a Catholic. The church is a cover up for catholic families, who had gay sons or daughters, they were ashamed of their children, so they they put them in to become priests and nuns, so they would abstain from sex. And look what happened in the last 20 to 30 years or longer, right in the catholic church, the holier than though molested children. And they covered it up. I am gay, and a catholic, and if 35 years ago told my parents, I could have become a priest. It is sad though, that gays are not allowed in the catholic church, no communion or marriage. SAD !   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Jake, on 03-18-2008 15:24, 5. Bishop One more thing, take a good look at Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Devine, definitely looks gay to me !!!   » Report this comment to administrator