Catholic Group Spent Millions Tracking Priests On Gay Dating Apps
Catholic group spent millions tracking priests on gay dating apps. The recent revelation that a conservative Catholic group has spent millions of dollars on a project to track priests using gay dating apps has sparked controversy and criticism within the Catholic community.
Conservative Catholic Group Spends $4 Million To Track Priests On Gay Dating Apps
The Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal, a non-profit based in Colorado, reportedly spent at least $4 million on the project, which aimed to provide bishops with "evidence-based resources" to identify weaknesses in how they train priests. The group purchased mobile app tracking data, which was used to identify priests who were using gay dating apps. This information was then shared with bishops around the country.
According to tax records obtained by the Washington Post, the project's mission was to "empower the churchto carry out its mission". However, a source who spoke with the Post stated that information discovered through the project could lead to Catholic members being passed over for promotions or even forced into early retirement, without knowing the reason why.
The controversy surrounding the project was further intensified when it was revealed that some participants were involved in the outing of Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, a prominent priest who resigned from his post as secretary general of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) after a Catholic newssite used commercially available data to track his use of gay dating apps and visits to a gay bar and bathhouse.
The Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal has defended the project, with its president, Jayd Henricks, stating on his blog that "data is used by all major corporations, so why not the Church?" He suggested that data could be used to gain insight into the life of the Church and improve its activities.
However, the use of data tracking to target priests has been met with criticism from some members of the Catholic Church. In a statement, the president of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests, Father Richard Vega, called the project "disgraceful" and argued that it violated priests' right to privacy.

Colorado Catholic group creeps on dating apps to out gay clergy
The Catholic Church has a complicated relationship with homosexuality. While the Church teaches that homosexual acts are sinful, it also teaches that individuals with same-sexattraction should be treated with respect and compassion. The recent revelations have sparked renewed discussion within the Church about how it should approach issues related to homosexuality and privacy.
In response to the controversy, the USCCB issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to "the privacy of persons involved in any allegations" and calling for "respectful and pastoral support for individuals who experience same-sex attraction". The statement also emphasized the importance of "due process" in any investigation or disciplinary action.
People Also Ask
What Is The Catholic Laity And Clergy For Renewal?
The Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal is a conservative Catholic group that reportedly spent at least $4 million to track priests using gay dating apps with the aim of providing bishops with "evidence-based resources" to identify weaknesses in how they train priests.
Is Tracking Priests Using Dating Apps Legal?
The legality of tracking priests using dating apps is a complex issue that may vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable laws. However, the use of data tracking to target priests has been met with criticism from some members of the Catholic Church, who argue that it violates priests' right to privacy.
What Is The Catholic Church's Stance On Homosexuality?
The Catholic Church officially teaches that homosexual acts are immoral and contrary to natural law. However, it also calls for respect and dignity for people with same-sex attraction and acknowledges that they should not be subject to unjust discrimination.
What Was The Outcome Of The Catholic Laity And Clergy For Renewal's Project?
The Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal project sparked controversy and raised important questions about privacy, respect, and due process within the Catholic Church. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the privacy of persons involved in any allegations and calling for respectful and pastoral support for individuals who experience same-sex attraction.
Final Thoughts
The revelations about the Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal's project have shone a light on the use of data tracking within the Church and raised important questions about privacy, respect, and due process.
While the project's defenders argue that it is a necessary tool to improve the Church's activities, its critics contend that it violates priests' right to privacy and may cause harm without providing any real benefit. The Church will need to grapple with these complex issues as it seeks to address its challenges and fulfill its mission.