whose Catholic theologian title was stripped by the Vatican because he openly condemned the church's teachings against abortion rights for women, artificial birth control, and human sexuality. St. Edward ignored Aymond's directive and went ahead with the event. Gay rights Aymond also believes that homosexuals should remain celibate. In June 2013, Aymond issued a statement of regret that his predecessor, Archbishop Philip Hannan, and the local church leadership ignored the 1973 arson attack on a gay bar in New Orleans that killed 32 people. Aymond wrote to Time magazine that In retrospect, if we did not release a statement we should have to be in solidarity with the victims and their families ... The church does not condone violence and hatred. If we did not extend our care and condolences, I deeply apologize. Honors Gregory Michael Aymond KC*HS is knight commander with star and grand prior of the Southeastern Lieutenancy of the United States of America of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Books Aymond, Gregory Michael. Courageous Moral Leadership. Washington, DC: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 2004. , . Sofield, Loughlan; Juliano, Carroll; & Aymond, Gregory Michael. Facing Forgiveness: A Catholic's Guide to Letting Go of Anger and Welcoming Reconciliation. Notre Dame, Indiana: Ave Maria Press, 2007. , . See also Catholic Church hierarchy Catholic Church in the United States Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States List of Catholic bishops of the United States Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops References External links Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin Episcopal succession 1949 births Living people Brother Martin High School alumni Roman Catholic archbishops of New Orleans Roman Catholic writers People from Austin, Texas Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Catholics from Texas 21st-century Roman Catholic archbishops in the United States