NEWS FLASH

Lesbian Who Was Denied Communion Says Episode Has ‘Strengthened My Faith In The Church’ | Barbara Johnson said she was “stunned” when a Catholic priest denied her communion at her own mother’s funeral because she was a lesbian living “a sin” and told CNN this afternoon that the now infamous episode “felt unreal.” The priest also walked out in the middle of Johnson’s eulogy to her mother. The Archdiocese of Washington has apologized for the episode and admitted that the preist — Father Marcel Guarnizo — followed improper protocol. Interestingly, Johnson claims that the outpouring of support she received from within the Church and other Catholics has actually “strengthened my faith in the Church itself.” Watch Johnson talk about the experience: