Mahony Backs Leaders of Conference : Conference: Cardinal opens gathering by offering support for a nun and convention organizer who have been criticized by conservative Catholics.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony on Friday opened a religious congress by declaring his uncompromising support for two church officials under attack by conservative Catholics as “dissenters in sheep’s clothing.”

Mahony’s backing of a leading nun in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and a conference organizer of the annual religious event--said to be the largest catechetical gathering in the world--was greeted with an ovation from an estimated 10,000 delegates during the morning’s welcoming services at the Anaheim Convention Center.

At the three-day convention, more than 20,000 delegates from as far as Poland and the Philippines are expected to participate in 240 educational workshops offering a range of topics from “Understanding HIV Infection and AIDS” to “Getting to Know Jesus Better.”

In his opening remarks, Mahony rose to defend Sister Edith Prendergast and conference coordinator Adrian Whitaker. Earlier this month, a small coalition of conservative Catholic groups demanded their resignations for inviting conference speakers who are critical of the Catholic Church and have supported abortion rights, as well as the ordination of women.

“I give my categorical and uncompromising support to the organizers,” Mahony told the audience. “The overall good of this congress through the years is without question.”

Even as a dozen picketers distributed leaflets warning that the gathering could damage one’s spiritual health, Mahony told delegates to smother the protesters with love.

Although the cardinal supported Prendergast and Whitaker, Mahony withdrew a conference invitation two weeks ago to Daniel Maguire, a former priest and abortion rights advocate.

Also, for reasons not disclosed, the Rev. John R. Aurelio of Buffalo, N.Y., was taken off the list of speakers after allegations surfaced that he molested two boys 15 to 20 years ago.

For the most part, delegates spent Friday listening to a host of workshop speakers in search of new material to incorporate into their church teachings back home.

“Coming to something like this is a chance to get in touch with what’s happening in the church as a whole and not just what’s going on in your own little corner,” said Douglas Clipperton, 43, who teaches adult Catholic classes in Mojave. “It’s a good shot in the arm.”