Park City Mass for gays is canceled

A Park City priest never expected that holding Mass for gays and lesbians would cause so much controversy.

But after he was "blind-sided" with criticism, the Rev. Robert Bussen of the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish says he's calling off, at least temporarily, the monthly services meant to create a welcoming environment for gays, lesbians and their friends and family.

"They all sort of emerged over these last few days," the Rev. Bussen said. "The ministry is called to unite and this ministry is clearly divided."

The Rev. Bussen said the Mass scheduled for March 17 will go forward, but there will be no April Mass. He's not sure when, or if, he'll resume the Masses.

Media and blog attention to the monthly Masses, which started in January, has brought to light evidence that his parish isn't "as together as we look," the Rev. Bussen said. It also brought attention to the gay community that "they didn't ask for or want." And, he added, there have been rumors and allegations about his own character.

The Rev. Bussen alluded to some of those attacks during the February Mass, saying at the time that he has solid support from his parishioners. He still holds that view.

"The issue of homosexuality touches so many of our families. ... There has been a tremendous level of people who came to me to say thank you for doing that," he said. "On the other hand, it has brought a level of tension to folks who really, really struggle with this issue."

Among those who have attended the small gathering is Brian Minjares of Clearfield, who attended Mass with his partner, Kim Coates.

"I don't understand why he would be criticized for it," Minjares said. "It's not like we're a surprise to God. ... But as God's children, why would (God) support any organization to exclude a part of his family."

Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City said the Rev. Bussen was simply attempting to "meet the needs of those he feels have been alienated from the church."

The diocese had no role in the Rev. Bussen's decision to start the Mass or to end it, he said.

"It's a pastoral decision he made as pastor," Fitzgerald said. "I support Father Bussen. He's trying to be a good pastor to all people. When this issue seemed to be divisive for the moment, he decided to suspend it. You can't fault the pastor who is trying to meet the needs of his people."