Openmind
Well-Known Member
Just as a matter of curiosity, I decided to go explore through the web what significant events may have brought us to today's "crisis" about the very innocuous "birth control issue."
I fell onto this article, that far preceeds any of today's events, but seems to demonstrate that, EVEN CATHOLICS have had concerns about the new path (including the definite gain in influence from the Vatican into American politics) taken by the American Catholic hierarchy.
For those of you who care enough about REALITY and subtle influences in our country. . .OR/AND who cares about the Constitution and the first amendment, this may (if you are honest) be an intriguing eye opener.
I fell onto this article, that far preceeds any of today's events, but seems to demonstrate that, EVEN CATHOLICS have had concerns about the new path (including the definite gain in influence from the Vatican into American politics) taken by the American Catholic hierarchy.
For those of you who care enough about REALITY and subtle influences in our country. . .OR/AND who cares about the Constitution and the first amendment, this may (if you are honest) be an intriguing eye opener.
Election of Archbishops Dolan and Kurtz Signals Increased Vatican Influence in US Politics
Submitted by admin on Wed, 11/17/2010 - 16:31
News Release
Catholics For Equality Says Election of Archbishops Dolan and
Kurtz Signals Increased Vatican Influence in US Politics
WASHINGTON - Catholics for Equality is concerned about the anti-equality direction of the U.S. Catholic bishops in their election of Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York as the new president, and Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville as vice-president, of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This election broke the long-standing tradition of elevating the current vice-president.Catholics for Equality Board member Rev. Tony Adams said, "following their tradition would have meant electing a noted social justice champion, Bishop Kicanas of Tucson, to lead the Catholic Church in America. Instead, the bishops chose two outspoken opponents of pro-equality civil rights measures." Both men are leaders against civil rights equality in their states and across the country.Board member and political strategist Aniello Alioto said, "this election broadens the gap between the people of the Catholic Church in America and the increasingly uncharitable demands of the Pope in Rome. It also threatens the broad American consensus that began with the election of President John F. Kennedy, allowing American Catholics to contribute more fully to the common good as both Americans and as Catholics. We are concerned that this election will result in a shift from the pastoral nature of American Catholicism to efforts to politicize in America the will of Rome."Concern is amplified by the election of Archbishop Kurtz as the new USCCB Vice President. Archbishop Kurtz, as head the Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, has led the Catholic hierarchy's national campaign to deny marriage and family rights to gay and lesbian citizens. That campaign has been financially assisted by the national office of the Knights of Columbus, most recently through the production of videos that demean and discredit gay and lesbian relationships, as well as single parent and extended family households. Adams said, "American Catholics are alarmed when tax-exempt church resources are diverted from charity, education and parish work into political campaigns and veiled candidate endorsements.""In his report from the ad-hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, Archbishop Kurtz makes it clear that our bishops are waging a new political campaign to change the laws in our country" Alioto said. The Committee's report compares court challenges to Proposition 8 in California and the federal Defense of Marriage Act to Roe v. Wade and the battle over reproductive rights. This results in a new "pro-family, pro-life" messaging strategy that harms all non-traditional as well as LGBT families. It contributes to the climate that permits bullying and harassment of youth from such families who become at higher risk for depression and suicide.Catholics for Equality calls upon our bishops to pledge full transparency in all efforts to shift funding from our national charitable, pastoral and educational efforts into the Pope's interference to deny freedom and fairness in American politics. It calls on all Catholics of good conscience to monitor and challenge the priorities of our bishops.