* Yesterday’s gay marriage “exorcism” was unusual, but this Sun-Times tidbit interested me the most…

In an unusual use of public services, the exorcism included two armed Springfield police officers stationed inside the church vestibule where parishioners entered from the street. At one point during the service, one of the officers strode to the front of the church, though his purpose was unclear. There were no disruptions during the hourlong event. [Emphasis added.]

I checked with the Springfield police department this morning and they got back to me late this afternoon to tell me those were off duty officers who were hired by somebody with the church. As far as the person knew, there were no threats issued in advance.

So, no tax dollars were involved, which is a relief, but it seems a bit odd to me.

* Now, on to Sneed…

Sneed hears Paprocki’s decision to conduct a prayer service Wednesday to “exorcise” the evil of the new same-sex marriage law in Illinois even caused Cardinal Francis George — whose nephew is gay — to flinch.

“I am told the cardinal was embarrassed by Paprocki’s decision to conduct such a service,” said a Sneed source.

Sneed is told Paprocki “didn’t have to get permission from the cardinal to conduct the prayer service,” a second source said. “Paprocki’s boss is the pope. But it’s hard to imagine Pope Francis thinking this was a wise move in the era of understanding he is trying to create.”

* Sun-Times…

After the service, sign-waving demonstrators dodged raindrops as they lined up on the sidewalk outside the sandstone pillars of the church and sang songs in favor of same-sex marriage.

One man, Win Colburn, of Springfield, displayed a handwritten placard to passing motorists. In all-capital letters, it read, “JESUS HAD TWO DADS,” a sentiment that angered some worshipers inside the church and produced insults from drivers.

“I don’t want the haters to have the last word,” Colburn told the Chicago Sun-Times.

I don’t like the term “haters” used in this context, but it was still a rather clever sign.

* SJ-R…

The Rev. Martin Woulfe, a longtime advocate of same-sex marriage, said he joined several church and community members in celebration at the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The celebration there began with a live streaming of the bill-signing ceremony in Chicago and was followed by a public prayer of thanksgiving on behalf of gay and lesbians who will soon be able to marry, Woulfe said.

Woulfe said although he disagrees with Paprocki’s actions, it is not his job to judge someone for following their own beliefs.

“Today is a reminder to the population that the bishop does not speak for everyone in central Illinois. He speaks for his faith community, but there are other faith communities who will promote their views and no one person has a monopoly on religious truth,” Woulfe said. “I, of course, follow a very different path and have a very different interpretation. He would see it as a loss, but I see it as a victory.”

* Text of the bishop’s homily is here. You can also watch his press conference…