The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has defunded a nonprofit organization serving the homeless, citing its director’s alleged sin—verbally supporting same-sex marriage and abortion. Public statements of the Rev. Faith Whitmore cost Francis House its funding, according to The Advocate.
Rev. Faith Whitmore of Francis House
Francis House has a $500,000 budget. It’s received between $7,500 to $10,000 annually from the diocese for nearly 20 years.
Sacramento Bee reported the diocese sent a letter to Whitmore, which said her views went against church teaching. It would be “impossible for the diocese to continue funding Francis House,” particularly Whitmore’s comments, the letter alleged.
Whitmore is a United Methodist minister who became Francis House’s director in April 2010. In addition to public comments, she defied her denomination to marry gay couples in 2008—while still legally recognized in California.
Whitmore stressed her comments were never made as a representative of the church.
Photo: sacbee.com
