Protests Erupt as Crowd Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Honoring Group on Pride Night

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recognition of a Community Hero Award to a group that has faced criticism for their portrayal of Catholicism sparked protests and prayer before Friday night’s game. Demonstrators holding signs that read “Stop anti-Catholic hate” and “God will not be mocked” gathered prior to the team’s Pride Night celebration, as reported by NBC News. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a charitable organization whose members wear clothing resembling a nun’s habit, was initially invited to the event by the Dodgers. However, due to the backlash, the invitation was withdrawn and later reinstated.

According to the Los Angeles Times, before the group could be honored for their decades of community service, hundreds of protestors began a prayerful procession in the stadium parking lot. Some participants claimed that their actions were not a protest but rather prayers for the “so-called nuns.” Jesse Bustamante stated to WABC, “We should be tolerant of everyone. Likewise, they should be tolerant of our faith and feelings.” Catholic bishops, including Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, had previously requested that Catholics pray on Friday as an act of reparation for the blasphemies against their faith seen in today’s culture.

Other protestors expressed greater distress. Corina Swetch, 31, said she was angered by the “mockery” of the organization, while others shouted anti-LGBTQ+ slurs. Police reported no arrests made. Julie Rubio, a professor and theologian of Christian social ethics, urged both sides to move away from extreme views and find common ground. She questioned whether it was possible to appreciate the Sisters for the work they do without perceiving it as hate or bigotry. As she stated, “It’s complicated.” (Read more Los Angeles Dodgers stories.)