The Pope Fires Bishop Over LGBTQ Issues

It’s no secret that Pope Francis has been making waves recently with positive and inclusive declarations on behalf of the LGBTQ community, and he’s at it again. The Pope recently fired a conservative Texan bishop over his views on LGBTQ issues. Bishop Joseph Strickland of Eastern Texas was removed from his position as the head of the Diocese of Tyler, claiming Pope Francis is undermining the Catholic faith and calling him a “diabolically disordered clown”. 

The decision to remove the Bishop came after the Pope ordered an “apostolic visitation” on the man’s diocese in June. The move came after Joseph Strickland established himself as a leading critic of Pope Francis and his recent statements regarding inclusivity and the Catholic church when it comes to LGBTQ issues. 

Although he was asked to resign first, Strickland refused, leaving Pope Francis with no other option but to officially terminate the man’s position and remove him from his post. He is set to be replaced by Bishop Joe Vasquez from Austin, Texas, who will assume the position of Apostolic Administrator of that district. 

While the Vatican remains silent on the issue, a conservative website said it spoke with the fired bishop who believes that his termination is largely due to his refusal to implement the Pope’s restrictions on celebrating Latin Mass. However, it has also been highlighted that Strickland has been very vocal in his criticisms of the Pope regarding his newfound interest in LGBTQ issues and his desire to welcome members of the LGBTQ community to the Catholic church. 

Strickland claims that such a motion is a “travesty” and firmly believes it should not be up for discussion. 

“Regrettably, it may be that some will label as schismatics those who disagree with the changes being proposed,” he continued. “Instead, those who would propose changes to that which cannot be changed seek to commandeer Christ’s Church.”

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