A strong statement from Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto to Catholic school boards on the issue of flying the Pride flag outside school board offices during the month of June sets the record straight.

“The cross outside of Catholic schools and any Catholic church, hospital or institution, signals our commitment that all who enter the building are welcomed and loved in their beauty and uniqueness as children of God,”  states the letter released yesterday.

“Parents make a clear choice when they decide that their children will attend a Catholic school. They rightly expect that trustees, principals, teachers – all partners in education – will ensure that Catholic teaching is presented, lived and infused in all that we do,” continues the statement from the Cardinal.

One can still be inclusive and accepting without embracing secular symbols; the essential message in the letter.

“…we lead by example, as we foster a culture of care and love for every individual. That truth is perfectly represented in our most fundamental Catholic symbol: the cross.”