The rally cry was loud and clear outside the Catholic Charities headquarters in Buffalo Tuesday. Members of the LGBTQ community and dozens of others were protesting the agency's decision last summer to end its foster and adoptive care services. 

Catholic Charities made the decision months after it had already met and exceeded its $11 million appeal goal, with no mention of the program cut.

Protesters say the agency's decision stemmed from a queer-identifying couple who wanted to adopt a child but was denied. They also demanded a say as to where their contributions and tax dollars go.

In addition, those gathered outside the offices called for Bishop Richard Malone to step down from the agency's board and the Diocese of Buffalo.

"In this community, we've made choices. We've made choices to side with love and not with hate,” said Reverend Kirk Laubenstein, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Justice. “We've chosen to create a community that includes everyone, not just some.”

Leaders say the rally coincided with the Catholic Charities board meeting.