I’m writing in response to the article “Senior Center opts not to renew lease with church,” [Recorder, May 8]. The Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in South Deerfield requested that the Senior Center avoid advertising it’s Rainbow Elders luncheon program in the Senior Center’s newsletter. This is homophobic and contrary to Pope Francis’ teachings. He says “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” and “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity. Being homosexual is not a crime.” Catholics believe that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin, whether it is between gay or straight people. Pope Francis urged church members, including bishops, to show “tenderness” as God does with each of his children. Pope Francis has welcomed LBGTQ individuals to the Vatican. Should Holy Family do less?

Michele Craig

South Deerfield