Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his disapproval of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent decision to once again invite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their upcoming Pride Night event. Known for his anti-LGBTQ+ views, Pence took to Twitter to denounce the move, deeming it deeply offensive. The controversial group, known for its satirical portrayal of Catholicism, had previously been disinvited from the event but was later reinstated after receiving backlash.
In his tweet, Pence, who comes from a Catholic background, criticized the Dodgers for inviting a group that he referred to as “anti-Catholic bigots.” He drew a parallel between this decision and the MLB’s move to relocate the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia due to voter suppression concerns, stating that the league should be apologizing to Catholics across America instead of offering apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
The Dodgers organization had initially removed the Sisters from the lineup for their 10th annual Pride Night, scheduled for June 16. While the team did not provide specific reasons for their removal, conservative voices, including Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, had objected to the group’s participation. Rubio had written a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred highlighting the Sisters’ alleged mocking and degradation of Christians, particularly Catholics.
Responding to the criticisms, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence emphasized that their aim is not to mock or promote hate. They described themselves as 21st-century nuns dedicated to spreading joy, absolving societal guilt, and supporting charitable causes. The group seeks to embrace diversity and promote personal empowerment, encouraging individuals to be true to themselves.
Following significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and others, the Dodgers reconsidered their decision and extended an apology to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Furthermore, the group will receive the team’s Community Hero Award for their charitable endeavors, having raised funds for various nonprofits, including some LGBTQ+-specific organizations, over the years.
The reinvitation of the Sisters has sparked criticism from certain players as well. Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen, sharing a statement on Twitter through Christian music artist Sean Feucht, called many of the Sisters’ performances blasphemous and accused them of displaying hate and mockery towards Catholics and Christianity. Trevor Williams of the Washington Nationals, who recently played against the Dodgers, also voiced his objection to the group’s inclusion, asserting that it undermines the values of respect and inclusivity.
Dodgers pitching ace Clayton Kershaw did not directly mention the Sisters but expressed his support for the relaunch of the team’s Christian Faith and Family Day. Kershaw cited the plans for the Sisters’ appearance as a motivation to advocate for the return of the faith event, which had been on hiatus due to the pandemic. While he disagreed with the Sisters’ mockery of his religion, Kershaw chose not to denounce or boycott Pride Night. Instead, he focused on promoting his own faith and finding unity within his beliefs.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Kershaw highlighted the importance of focusing on one’s own beliefs rather than criticizing others. He clarified that his decision to support the faith event was not rooted in any opposition towards the LGBTQ+ community or Pride Night. Kershaw’s goal is to emphasize his belief in Jesus and maintain a positive response to such situations.
As the debate surrounding the Dodgers’ reinvitation of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence continues, it remains an example of the ongoing tension between differing perspectives on faith, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the importance of respect and diversity within society.