A Catholic nun has commended the LA Dodgers for allowing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to be included in a Pride event, despite huge outcry from the Church.
The group dress as nuns and mock Christian faith groups, particularly in relation to issues of sexuality and gender.
They describe themselves as “using irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit”.
The decision to allow the “sisters” to perform sparked so much outcry within the US Catholic community, that the sports team cancelled their appearance.
Their slot was their reinstated after the decision sparked backlash from LA Pride groups.
The U-turn prompted CatholicVote, one of the largest lay Catholic organisations in the US to produce a $1million advert calling for Catholics to boycott the LA Dodgers.
However, one nun has come out in support of the move. Sister Jeannine Gramick shared a letter she wrote to the Dodgers, praising the decision and recognising the charitable work of the “sisters”.
She’s been ministering to LGBT+ Catholics for over half a decade.
The letter, shown to Associated Press, said: “While I am uncomfortable with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence using the nuns’ old garb to draw attention to bigotry, whether Catholic or not, there is a hierarchy of values in this situation.
“The choice of clothing, even if offensive to some, can never trump the works of mercy.
“Just as I have great respect for Catholic nuns because of their compassion and good works over the centuries, I applaud the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their financial assistance to those in need.
“I support them because of all their good works. I believe that any group that serves the community, especially those who are less fortunate or on the margins of society, should be honoured.
"I support your honouring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence."
Prior to the event, Christian player Blake Treinen published a statement condemning the appearance. He said: “I am disappointed to see the Sister's [sic] of Perpetual Indulgence being honoured as heroes at Dodger Stadium."
"Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.
"I understand that playing baseball is a privilege, and not a right.
“My convictions in Jesus Christ will always come first.”