Vincent 'Big Mama' Capretta: Drag Queen who calls himself a Catholic priest is Back

'Big Mama' Capretta the clergyman by-day, drag queen by-night is standing in direct opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church and other sincere Christians.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) - Anthony Capretta, the Old Catholic clergyman who moonlights as a drag queen named "Big Mama," is back in the news. With December 1 named as World Aids day, he is "blessing" and distributing condoms to the people who attend Community of Charity Independent Old Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Capretta became a media sensation in June, 2009 when he "came out" during Gay Pride Month, declaring, "It's Big Mama y'all! I am living proof that a person can do anything they set their mind to. We have to love and enjoy ourselves in this world. And, I am enjoying my life being who I am and who God intended."

A great deal of confusion happened with most reporters assuming that the man identifying himself as "Father Vincent" was a Roman Catholic priest. To most news organizations, a catholic is a catholic. They were not aware of what are called the independent movements present in America as well as other parts of the world.

The term "Old Catholic Church" actually describes a grouping of autonomous bishops and jurisdictions that began to form in the mid-19th century. They reject papal authority and the authority of the teaching office of the Church. They reject a number of Catholic doctrines, which ones and how many depend on the group. Several of the groups have become strong supporters and participants in the Lesbian, gay, Bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) world.

Most of these groups tend to embrace a more liberal view of what constitutes Christianity as a whole. Their clergy normally can be male or female and married or celibate, practicing homosexuals.

As a part of their Old Catholic identity, the "Community of Charity" describes itself as an "all-inclusive and welcoming congregation." This is outlined in greater detail on the Mission and Beliefs page of their website:

"Calling to worship all children of God who have a desire to learn and honor the life and teachings of Jesus Christ regardless of one's origin, race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Not withholding of the Sacraments to individuals who choose to exercise one's civil right to birth control, divorce, or abortion. Abortion is strongly discouraged.

"Our church recognizes equally both women and men serving as valid Catholic deacons, priests, and bishops in apostolic succession. Clergy may be single or married. Celibacy in not mandatory amongst clergy.

"We maintain the Seven Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Annointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Marriage is offered to both same and opposite sex couples.

"We hold that God our Creator is without gender.
"We hold that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.
"We hold that Jesus equally recognized females as disciples.
"We hold that the Pope is solely the Bishop of Rome.
"We hold that the Episcopacy of Rome is fallible.
"We hold that non-Catholics may equally attain salvation.
"We hold that non-Christians may equally attain salvation.
"We hold that the Bible is a source of truth.
"We hold that oral tradition is a source of truth.
"We hold that the teachings of other world religions are of inspiration.

Capretta also has produced another music single entitled, "Candy Medicine." In an interview he indicated that the new song is "all about having safe sex and using condoms--the condoms are candy medicine.

"The Church is wrong and selfish to discourage the use of condoms. The use of condoms is not sinful, but rather an outward demonstration of virtue, respect, and moral responsibility.

"God does not call upon individuals to live a life of sexual abstinence contrary to human nature and development. Humanity is morally obligated to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by making condoms readily available to both sexually active adults and minors. Condoms cannot cure HIV/AIDS, but neither will naďve appeals for sexual abstinence."

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Randy Sly is the Associate Editor of Catholic Online. He is a former Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church who laid aside that ministry to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

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