Bishop Denounces
College for OK'ing Gay Speaker

Scranton, Pa.'s bishop said Wednesday that he will not set foot on a local Catholic university's campus because it invited a gay speaker to talk about LGBT issues and rights.

Author and speaker Keith Boykin visited Misericordia University in February for a program held by the school's Diversity Institute, according to the Scranton Times Leader . The day before he appeared, Bishop Joseph Martino of the Diocese of Scranton issued a statement, saying that Boykin's stance on marriage equality is "disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching."

"Mr. Boykin's appearance at Misericordia University is not meant to be a forum for advocacy on any singular issue," the school said in a statement. "Misericordia University is committed deeply to its Catholic mission. Inseparable from that mission is our identity as an academic institution where ideas and positions are explored critically and freely."

Martino has demanded that Misericordia shut down its multicultural center because it hosted Boykin's February 17 visit. In response, Misericordia asked to meet with the bishop privately to discuss the matter.

Boykin is a regular television news commentator, writes for The Daily Voice, and has written for The Advocate.