SYDNEY (CWNews.com) - The leaders of Sydney's Catholic and Anglican churches this week condemned the city's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, calling it "gross exhibitionism."

    Cardinal Edward Clancy wrote in article in the weekly archdiocesan newspaper on Sunday that the March 4 festival should be boycotted by Catholics. "The Church ... teaches that homosexual practices are contrary to the moral law," he wrote. "Homosexual people are required to exercise self-discipline and to avoid such conduct." He added, "The annual Gay Mardi Gras is an exercise in gross exhibitionism that promotes a homosexual lifestyle and does not merit our presence or our support."

    The event, which started as a protest march in 1977, has grown to become a major tourism boost as it attracts nearly 500,000 people annually and injects US$61 million into the region's economy.

    Anglican Archbishop Harry Goodhew expressed his agreement with Cardinal Clancy on Thursday. Cardinal Clancy is quite correct when he calls the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras an exercise in gross exhibitionism," he said. "In highly erotic display it promotes a homosexual lifestyle and is certainly not deserving of the presence or support of citizens of this city."

    He called on Christians, politicians, and community leaders who support the Mardi Gras to reflect on the values and lifestyle they were endorsing to Australian children.

    The president of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, David McLachlan, condemned the church leaders for being out of touch with community values on sexuality. "I was raised as a Catholic and it's sad to see how out of touch these church leaders are in helping people deal with the development of one's sexuality," McLachlan said.