First Gays, Now Clowns

Why is the RCC pursuing ecumenical dialogue with these clowns? Link. Excerpts:

Clowns and jugglers packed the aisles, while fully costumed church staffers handed out red noses and noisemakers to all worshipers.

Even the rector of the Episcopal church got into the act, leading the service in full clown garb, including a red rubber nose and a pair of oversized clown shoes.

The Rev. James Cooper said the silly stuff was designed to show the faithful something more serious: that clowns can offer a deeper understanding of the church's teachings.

"Clowns represent the underdog, the lowly, the remnant people. Their foolishness is a call to unpretentiousness," Cooper said. "As St. Paul said, 'The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of the world.' "