The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving forward with their plan to honor The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group that has sparked significant debate in recent weeks due to their performances, which critics view as anti-Catholic. The group, known for its members who dress in drag and religious habits, will receive a community award during the team's 10th annual Pride Night at Dodger Stadium, recognizing their "lifesaving work."
The decision has been met with a rollercoaster of reactions, including initial outrage, a rescinded invitation, subsequent reinstatement of the invitation with an apology, and ongoing criticism from politicians, religious figures, and some MLB players. The Dodgers initially announced the honor on May 4th, but after facing backlash, they revoked the invitation two weeks later. However, following pressure from advocacy groups, the team reversed its decision again on May 22nd, re-inviting the group and issuing an apology.
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, while acknowledging the team's decision to reinstate the group, expressed his personal disapproval of mocking any religion. He also mentioned the team's plan to relaunch its Christian Faith and Family Day. Other players, including Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams and Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, have also voiced their concerns and condemned the group's actions.
In response to the controversy, Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has called for a day of prayer, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged Catholics to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart as an act of reparation, characterizing the Dodgers' decision as "blasphemy."
