This is from the website of a US Congresswoman of the 3rd Connecticut, Rosa L. D Lauro (D-CT).
Get this. My emphases.
For Immediate Release
Friday, January 30, 2009Contact: Adriana Surfas
202-225-3661
Click here for Printer Friendly VersionCatholic Members of Congress Express Concern to Pope Benedict XVI over Bishop Williamson’s Denial of the Holocaust [I wonder what their voting records are concerning abortion. Cong. DeLauro is now going to instruct the Pope.]
Washington, D.C. – Nearly 50 Catholic Members of Congress wrote to Pope Benedict XVI to urge his direct repudiation of Bishop Richard Williamson’s public denial that the Holocaust occurred.
Below is the text of the letter.
January 29, 2009
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Palace 00120, Vatican City State, Europe
Your Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, As Catholic Members of Congress, we are writing to express our deep concerns with your decision to reinstate Bishop Richard Williamson to communion with the Catholic Church at the same time that Bishop Williamson publicly denies that the Holocaust occurred or that such was the policy under Adolf Hitler. We do not question your reasons for revoking the excommunication of Bishop Williamson or your right to do so, but we fail to understand why the revocation was not accompanied by an emphatic public rejection of his denial of the Holocaust. As such, we seek clarification on this important matter. [They should read WDTPRS.]
[Now… they could have stopped there, but they have to grandstand now.]
Bishop Williamson has said as recently as this past November that, “historical evidence is hugely against 6 million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy by Adolf Hitler.” Yet, the Holocaust is a verifiable fact and as people of good will would agree, one of the darkest chapters in our history as a human family. There are still thousands of people amongst us – Jews and non-Jews – who can attest through eye-witness accounts to the horrors of the Holocaust. Bishop Williamson’s comments regarding the Holocaust echo those of neo-Nazis, Islamist extremists, racists and others who choose hatred and violence over peaceful co-existence among peoples of all races and ethnicities.
We understand that Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has said that this issue is unrelated to the reinstatement of Bishop Williamson and that you do not share in his views. [But they ask anyway. Why?] And we welcome your recent statement expressing "full and indisputable solidarity" with the Jewish people. But this is too sensitive an issue to be handled without a direct repudiation of Bishop Williamson’s views. As a spiritual leader and the head of the Catholic Church, we believe it is vital that you publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter so that it is clear where the Church stands on one of the most consequential events of the 20th century. [The Church has stated, clearly, its position on the dignity of human life, when life begins, and the evil of abortion. What are the records and statements of the people who signed this letter looking for a clear statement from the Church, from the Pope, on this matter?] To neglect to do so is to allow others to portray it as they wish and impede the progress made over so many years toward harmony and reconciliation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
ROSA L. DeLAURO
WILLIAM DELAHUNT
ANNA ESHOO
JAMES L. OBERSTAR
BART STUPAK
BILL PASCRELL
CHRISTOPHER P. CARNEY
GERALD E. CONNOLLY
MAURICE D. HINCHEY
JIM COSTA
PHIL HARE
JOSEPH CROWLEY
PETER DEFAZIO
PATRICK J. KENNEDY
DENNIS J. KUCINICH
JAMES P. MORAN
WM. LACY CLAY
RICHARD E. NEAL
ALBIO SIRES
PETER WELCH
TIM RYAN
TOM PERRIELLO
LINDA SÁNCHEZ
LUIS V. GUTIERREZ
CAROL SHEA-PORTER
MICHAEL F. DOYLE
DENNIS A. CARDOZA
JOHN LARSON
XAVIER BECERRA
GEORGE MILLER
FRANK PALLONE
BETTY McCOLLUM
JAMES A. McGOVERN
JACKIE SPEIER
CAROLYN McCARTHY
EDWARD J. MARKEY
NYDIA VELAZQUEZ
STEPHEN F. LYNCH
JOSE E. SERRAMO
SILVESTRE REYES
RAUL GRIJALVA
JOE BACA
BRIAN HIGGINS
MIKE THOMPSON
JERRY F. COSTELLO
DIANE WATSON
JOHN A BOCCIERI
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“Catholic Members of Congress Express Concern to Pope Benedict XVI over Bishop Williamson’s Denial of the Holocaust?” No, more like “Catholic Members of Congress Reveal Ignorance.”
How about the Holy Father responding back with something to the effect of:
“I’ll address your ‘concerns’ when you address the hypocrisy of lecturing and demanding an explanation from me (which, if you bothered to read OR, you would see that I have done…) while taking stands in public that repudiate your professed faith?”
Sorry, I had no idea that Benedict had to consult with US Congresscritters about anything.
I know, snarky. But, just how it strikes me.
As for their voting records, I will report on the members from my home state of New York, and it’s ugly. Maurice Hinchey, 1 pro-life vote out of 43 relevant votes; Joseph Crowley, 18 out of 65; Carolyn McCarthy, 6 out of 90; Nydia Velazquez, 2 out of 117; and Jose Serrano, 1 out of 130.
These people are walking examples of the need to use Canon 915 early and often.
Kucinich is my congressman.
You get be sure I will be contacting his office about this letter!
Hypocrisy!
LOL Give me a break!
It’s the very definition of chutzpah:
CINO Politicians lecturing the Pope on the Holocaust when they themselves have facilitated a holocaust greater than the 3rd Reich!
I’m embarrassed.
The Holy Father should write back demanding their direct repudiation of abortion and of people like Biden and Pelosi. People in glass houses should not throw stones!
Good grief. I hope His Holiness replies back to them with strongly-worded answers to their Pharisaical question and another question that must have slipped their minds– should they be receiving Holy Communion?
Where does one begin? Sigh. I don’t know when our congress critters with their pea-sized brains and Marty Haugen theology (and don’t forget, Marty at least has the excuse of being a Lutheran…) started to fancy themselves Doctors of the Church. I guess it was when Biden and Pelosi tried it and didn’t get slapped down hard enough. But they got a lot of favorable press out of it, and that’s enough to make any congress critter drool.
This is a good time to restart the Index.
where is San Fran Nan, I am surprised to not see her name on this distinguished, especially since she is an expert in Catholic theology. Also, is Kuicinich Catholic? I did not know that, I always thought him to be an extraterrestial or something. And there I see my congressman on there Pascrell, makes you proud to be from New Jersey
Of the 47 signers, here is the breakdown:
100% NARAL Rating – 26
80% NARAL Rating – 1
45% NARAL Rating – 2
0% NARAL Rating – 3
Those not in congress long enough to get a rating – 15
All are Democrats
where is San Fran Nan, I am surprised to not see her name on this distinguished, especially since she is an expert in Catholic theology.
I thought the same thing…maybe they’re afraid she’ll talk in public like the whole “contraception stimulates the economy” debacle and make them look (more) foolish (than they already are).
To neglect to do so is to allow others to portray it as they wish and impede the progress made over so many years toward harmony and reconciliation.
What progress toward harmony and reconciliation? The people who are most outspokenly against the lifting of the excommunications (whether they’re Jewish, Catholic, or other) are the ones who want nothing to do with harmony and reconciliation. They’re offended by the mere fact that some of us have orthodox Catholic beliefs and traditional Catholic practices. And now when we are on the cusp of true healing and reconciliation with the SSPX, they want nothing more than to create discord.
Where are our Bishops? When will they defend the teachings of the Church and the Successor of Peter? Has the silence from them now been so prolonged that ostensibly Catholic politicians feel comfortable lecturing the Pope?
I’m surprised my own congressman, Dennis Kucinich, signed the letter. From his record, it seems that he lacks the credibility to take the high ground on Catholic issues. Here’s a quote from his website, under the “reproductive rights” section:
“Congressman Kucinich believes that women have the right to determine their reproductive choices, and he believes that criminalizing abortion is unconstitutional. The Congressman does not believe that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.”
Before he lectures the Holy Father on holocaust denial, he should probably examine his own role in the holocaust of the unborn…
Sledgehammer – well done.
I don’t think this is an unreasonable letter.
As Catholic members of Congress (whether or not they are pro-life), the actions of the Holy Father have probably had some consequences for them, especially those in New York and other areas with a large Jewish population.
I’m sure they are getting questions about the lifting of the excommunications from their Jewish friends and constituents, and it would be helpful to have a letter from the Pope to explain what the intention was.
Let us not forget that this did provoke tensions with our Jewish brothers and sisters, and a quick letter of explanation could have a dramatic easing effect.
Dear Fr. Z.,
I am proud to say that my (Lincoln NE) Congressman , Rep Jeff Fortenberry, a true, devout, orthodox Catholic, did not sign on to this malarkey. His answer when a Catholic asked him why he couldn’t do something about abortion was “There are so few of us.” He meant true Catholics. We need all the help we can get, including all those SSPXers, who must be, like wild cattle, brought back into the fold and carefully re-domesticated.
John Belmont
James – the Vatican has already explained everything. People keep asking for an “explanation” because the Pope isn’t saying the words they want him to say.
James,
I understand your concern, but I disagree.
The letter from the congressmen shows a lack of attention to the goings-on of the Holy See and a lack of attention toward what has already been said. Not to mention, given their voting records, incredibly hypocritical.
First, the Holy Father has made it very clear that the Shoah was a terrible and real event. However, short of that, there is no need to say anything. The Shoah is not a doctrinal matter. Williamson is also an incredibly insignificant bishop. Had be not been part of the SSPX, this probably would have been a blip on the radar, if that.
Second, matters such as this are handled internally, not publicly. It is beyond rare for a reigning pontiff to publicly criticize a prelate. The matter is handled quietly, as it should be. The Church is not a carbon copy of the USA. We don’t necessarily have public trials and executions.
Third, what type of explanation do you feel would be necessary? Why the excommunications were lifted? While Williamson’s comments are insensitive, incorrect, and galacticly stupid, they have no bearing on doctrine and should have no canonical sanction. The Holy Father has explained the reasons for the lifting of the excommunications. What more do you want?
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this over the weekend:
Perhaps these congressmen recognize the political cover many bishops & priests give to ‘Catholic’ politicians voting against Church teaching will end if traditional Catholicism (SSPX, FSSP, ICK etc.) continues to gain traction in the Church and society at large.
Or is this giving those simpletons too much credit?
“We understand that Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has said that this issue is unrelated to the reinstatement of Bishop Williamson and that you do not share in his views. And we welcome your recent statement expressing ‘full and indisputable solidarity’ with the Jewish people.”
What part of that is not a repudiation of Bishop Williamson’s views?
“historical evidence is hugely against 6 million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy by Adolf Hitler.”
The absolute absurdity of this situation boggles the mind. Six million Jews were NOT gassed, until last week I don’t think there was a person on earth who had ever claimed such a thing and now we have US congressional representatives making it up as they go along. The Holocaust was more than the gas chambers.
I have yet to see where Bishop Williamson has actually denied the Holocaust and I’ve been looking. If anyone has anything more in depth than that 5 minute interview that’s all over the place I’d like very much to see what he has said in the past that actually makes sense of the numbers. If Jews weren’t gassed by the millions then where did they all go? Does he acknowledge that almost a million and a half were marched to death or just shot? For all I know he minimizes the numbers who died by direct gassing but inflates the numbers believed to have died by starvation and direct execution.
If only I were Secretary of State:
Dear Catholic Members of Congress:
In response to your 30 January 2009 letter, allow me to paraphrase a particular sentence of the same.
WeThe Holy See believes it is vital that you (Members of Congress who claim to be Catholic) publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter (abortion) so that it is clear where the Church stands on one of the most consequentialeventsissues of the 20th century.Signed &
PS Get thee to a confessional (and get a real job)
“Respectfully”? Where did these people learn letter etiquette? You sign letters to your office manager or mother-in-law, but not the pope, “respectfully.”
I think that Pope Benedict should immediately place every one of their congressional districts under interdict, to be lifted only after they have resigned from Congress and stood barefoot for three days in the snow. Those districts without snow can substitute glowing coals.
Ironic, isn’t it, that these supporters and promoters of the current holocaust that is abortion feel the need to advise the Holy Father how to lead the Catholic Church, even while ignoring what has been said by him.
Paul – how do they come off signing it “Respectfully” (etiquette aside) when they have rarely shown any respect at all? Congress has moved beyond arrogant – to, what, imperial?
Vomitus
These officials know (or should know) that this issue has been addressed by the Holy See and that the lifting of the excommunications was solely a canonical matter. The letter is grandstanding for the power of “moral advantage”: to wit, they want it to been seen that the Holy See jumps to their beck and call, not the other way around.
Signed by the most notable “Who’s Who of Who Cares”.
I wrote my congressman (who signed the letter):
Dear Congressman Moran,
You recently signed a letter to Pope Benedict concerning Bishop Williamson’s statements on the Holocaust which said: “As a spiritual leader and the head of the Catholic Church, we believe it is vital that you publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter so that it is clear where the Church stands on one of the most consequential events of the 20th century.”
A quick Google search would have revealed that Pope Benedict responded to Bishop Williamson’s comments at his general audience on Jan. 28 (two days before the letter you signed was published). The Church has continuously made its position clear on the dignity of every single person from conception to natural death. This does not allow for antisemitism or any type of racism.
It also does not allow for the killing of innocent human life. Do you support procedures such as abortion and embryonic stem cell research? What is your voting record on life issues? As a civic leader and the representative of Virginia’s 8th district, I believe it is vital that you publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter so that it is clear where you stand on one of the most consequential issues of the 20th century.
Sincerely,
Brian Walden
James, I don’t think it matters what the Holy Father chooses to do. It seems that some Jewish and secular groups get angry at the Church for the smallest things. Remember the Good Friday prayer, especially how some of these Jewish groups were angry that the Holy Father had put out the Motu Proprio because the prayer for the conversion of the Jews is in the Good Friday liturgy? Also, don’t forget how the Muslims went nuts when Our Holy Father gave his Regensburg address. Please, I’m tired of cow towing to these groups and being afraid of doing the right thing because it will hurt their feelings. This has been probably one of the worst problems with current “ecumenism.” Instead of respectfully disagreeing with other religions and finding ways to evangelize those who are not Catholics to many in the Church has tried to act as if there were no differences between us and them ie. the Assisi prayer meetings, inculturating pagan elements in the Mass (in some portions of the world, etc).
Basically what I am trying to say is that it doesn’t matter what the Holy Father and by extension the Church does internally (ie. the Mass, the SSPX, etc) because these groups get angry anyway. The Church will always have Her enemies and the Holy Father has many right now. More than ever we need to pray for Him and pray for this situation with the SSPX. I pray for their safe return to Holy Mother’s bosom. Meanwhile, where are the voices in the hierarchy in support for the Holy Father? Why have we only heard some positive statements about the excommunications being lifted from two bishops (O’Malley and Collins??)? Where are the faithful ones?
Even a priest who I know and I respect greatly still thinks that the SSPX and anyone who goes to their Masses are not Catholic. He is a very faithful priest but he is also pessimistic about this too. Why?
I Called to register a complaint to DeLauro’s office. The number is on the top of the letter. Why don’t we tie up their phone lines? If you look on her website http://delauro.house.gov/release.cfm?id=1134 she’s an advocate for the abortion holocaust and a “leader” and founder of a group of Catholic Democrates.
On the first glance through the list of signers, I was relieved not to recognize any names from my native locale. Then I reread it.
I think I will now have to write a letter (not unlike Brian Walden’s above) to one George Miller, Democratic House Rep. from the 7th district in CA who’s been gerrymandered into near-permanent incumbency, and who happens to have a 100% rating from NARAL. Gag.
Given correspondence between his office and Catholics that I’ve been party to over the years, I find it hard not to attribute to him the desire to garner a little publicity at the expense of the Church.
Exerpt from National Catholic Reporter June 6, 2006…
“Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat who has spearheaded attempts by Capitol Hill Catholics to reach some consensus with the church, praised McCarrick for his “meaningful, pastoral counsel.” He is, she said, “a moral force.””
>>>>>
That’s all you need to know…. oh, and before I forget….. she always includes a picture of her at her First Communion kneeling at the rail in her campaign lit.
Two famous quotes in Scripture are still being done each day (1) All generations shall call me blessed (spoken everyday by those who recite the Rosary) (2) For fear of the Jews—- Look at the Bishops and Laity still fearful
Sign a letter of support for the pope actions here:
http://www.soutienabenoitxvi.org
These officials know (or should know) that this issue has been addressed by the Holy See and that the lifting of the excommunications was solely a canonical matter. The letter is grandstanding for the power of “moral advantage”: to wit, they want it to been seen that the Holy See jumps to their beck and call, not the other way around.
-Aelric
They aren’t that deep, Aelric. Yes, it is grandstanding, but not for any moral advantage IMO. They are simply throwing a bone to their outraged Jewish constituents who also know that this issue has been soundly addressed. But hey, it’s more fun to be outraged than satisfied. It’s just their way of pretending to be relevant.
This is nothing more than a transparent move on the part of these politicians to prime the campaign donation pump for the next go ’round.
This whole thing reminds me of the outrage expressed by the SNAP crowd. Demands for an apology are met, yet somehow it’s not quite enough. The fact is, for some people, it will NEVER be enough.
There are two possiblities.
1. These “Catholic” Congressmen are more Jewish than Catholic
or
2. They really hate the SSPX
So the US Congressmen want MORE excommunications, not fewer. May they receive what they so anxiously — and vindictively — ask for!
The Congressmen say: “Bishop Williamson has said as recently as this past November that, “historical evidence is hugely against 6 million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy by Adolf Hitler.” Yet, the Holocaust is a verifiable fact.”
They say that the “holocaust” is a verifiable fact. What about the 6 million and the gas chambers?
Bishop Williamson does not deny the holocaust.
I’m appalled. Appalled. It’s hard to know what to say – this group should be deeply, deeply ashamed of themselves. The arrogance, and the ignorance, are beyond belief.
Well, I can’t possibly reply to everyone, since I think I’m the only one here who doesn’t think this is a bad idea.
Are they grandstanding? Probably – they are policticians after all.
Are they hypocrites? Many of them are, but not all. According to an above post, at least 3 of them appear to be strongly pro-life.
I just don’t see what it could hurt to ask the Holy Father to write a note addressing the Williamson issue…which he hasn’t done personally, as far as I know. Even in the Regensburg case, the Holy Father directly addressed the problem and attempted (mostly successfully) to mend fences.
People write/petition the pope for many things… in fact, I recall a petition from many Catholic intellectuals going to JPII asking for a liberalization of the Tridentine Rite. There is nothing wrong with a Catholic doing this.
And, contrary to what someone above thinks, I believe that we, as Catholics and Christians, DO need to bend over backwards to clear up misconceptions that non-believers have. Many Jews believe that Christians hate them and want to destroy them. To them, the lifting of the excommunications validates this belief. Until they can be convinced otherwise, it will be difficult to open them up to the faith. Fear doesn’t make effective evangelization.
The holocaust is the most politicized genocide in history. The politisation and the exploitation of human suffering must stop now.
The Holy Father should not give in. It is not the holocaust, which is at stake here, it is the lifting of the excommunications.
Many pseudo-Catholics will leave the Church. The masks are falling. This is regrettable but unavoidable.
We are back in the 1960s. This would have happened if Paul VI had sided with the Conservatives. Well, it happens now. The liberals are leaving. I think that it can only make the Church healthier.
I was unaware that either of my “people” were Catholics. Betty McCollum and Jim Oberstar are both as pro-choice as you can get. I’ll be sending letters, too.
ROSA L. DeLAURO & company: “As a spiritual leader and the head of the Catholic Church, we”
Disagreement in number.
“The Holy Father should not give in.”
Steven, mercy and love demands that we clear up misconceptions between ourselves and our neighbors.
“The holocaust is the most politicized genocide in history.”
I don’t even know how to respond to this. You do realize the extent of the suffering and pain that the Jews have experienced over the centuries, don’t you? Violence that extends down to today?
Luigi,
I do not doubt that appearing sensitive to their Jewish voters motivated some of these politicos. My suggestion was simply that there is something even more important to them: appealing to the post-modern cafeteria “catholic” (e.g. pro-choice “catholics”) by making a power play with this letter. Even a polite and factual response by the Holy See has the Pope responding to them; they demand (politely) an “explanation” and, if they get one however factually correct and justifying, they then posture that they were in fact, owed one. And that gives them chutzpah (beg pardon) in the tug-of-war of Catholic identity in the USA.
That is why, in my view, the best response is a diplomatic letter stating that “this is none of your business as US congressional members, catholic or otherwise” and oh, by the way, if you are so interested in your Catholic identity as legislators, get moving on passing laws limiting or eliminating abortion. But then again, no one has ever said that I am very diplomatic (I favor Chief Engineer Scott’s view when he said: “The best diplomat I know is a fully charged phaser bank.”
The Pope is also a head of state. There was a time in this country, until fairly recently, when members of Congress would not engage in direct communications with a head of state. Such communications were to go through the Secretary of State or Office of the President. No self respecting member of Congress should sign such a letter. Oh, did I say self-respecting? Guess that answers the question. Hard to be self-respecting with the NARAL numbers cited. They need to clean their own house before being so presumptious as to tell the Pope what to do with his. Of course every single one on that signature list is a member of the elite, arrogant, socialistic party in power.
And, contrary to what someone above thinks, I believe that we, as Catholics and Christians, DO need to bend over backwards to clear up misconceptions that non-believers have. Many Jews believe that Christians hate them and want to destroy them. To them, the lifting of the excommunications validates this belief. Until they can be convinced otherwise, it will be difficult to open them up to the faith. Fear doesn’t make effective evangelization.
Comment by James Isabella
I have had Jewish friends who converted–some became priests. In every case they were disowned by their parents.
So I think you need to consider whether Jews hate Christ’s Church.
BTW, I prefer Jews to Protestants. Jews are not anti-intellectual and don’t fool themselves by adopting watered-down Christianity.
I’ll restate a comment of some months ago: I will believe the bishops are serious about abortion when they start denying communion to pro abortion “Catholics”.
RBrown–I could not agree with you more. Several notorious elected public officials have been given MULTIPLE opportunities to recant their scandalous positions and have made no effort to do so. They should be the first to be excommunicated and it is about time that happened.
On another note, Fr Z it looks like, on many fronts, your prediction that this will be a tough week is coming true.
Other than the three (who are they?) identified by Jim as pro-life, in my opinion, the best response is a letter to the editor of the representative’s local newspaper, demanding an apology for either:
1. falsely representing him or herself as Catholics; or
2. by voting for pro-abortion legislation and judges, his or her participation in the on-going, modern-day Holocaust of the nation they govern.
I can’t seriously believe that anyone expects the Supreme Pontiff, head of the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church and Vicar of Christ to send a little ‘note’ saying he’s sorry to a bunch of self-important cafeteria ‘Catholics’ as though he broke someone’s window with his baseball. OK, Bennie, tell the nice politicians your sorry, and you’ll save up money from your paper route to replace their window…give me a break.
Father forgive them, they know not what they do.
Lord have mercy!
‘you’re’
Paula,
Actually Oberstar is not pro-choice (though McCollum is another can of worms entirely). He’s got a long history of pro-life voting and sent a letter which was read at the March for Life at the Minnesota Capitol on Jan. 22nd. I wasn’t aware he was Catholic either. I’m glad he’s one of the dwindling pro-life contingent of Democrats in Congress!
I wonder if part of this is a response to the Fight FOCA postcards that should be raining down on them at this point. Writing a letter to the Pope saying how imperfect in their eyes he is may give them some psychic relief from the conscience twang that the Fight FOCA cards might be giving them.
Paula,
Congressman Oberstar is far from “as pro-choice as you can get.” In fact he has a 0% from NARAL and has long been recognized as a pro-life leader. While he may not be perfect I have not seen any negative reviews of him from pro-life sources but plenty from pro-abortion organizations. Nevertheless it was not wise to sign on to that letter.
“Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.”
The Author of those words supports the Holy Father.
Rancher – no kidding. It’s just Monday and there’s been a flood of news, sadly mostly vile attacks on the Holy Father and Holy Mother Church.
JIM COSTA (D-FRESNO) is on this list. This is the second time in the last few years Costa has signed a public statemnt like this rejecting majestirial teachings. Being from Fresno, CA., Costa resides in the See of Fresno, where John T. Steinbock is bishop. Steinbocks silence has been deafining and a scandle to the faithful of the diocese. Each time Costa makes a comment or a public statment about the faith, you can place a call to the diocese where you will never ever get a straight answer. It is interesting that the Fresno bishop does not have a problem with ordaining men with homosexual orientations and during the last presidential campaign the only comments made were quotes from the USCCB Faithful Citizenship mess. This same bishop will send letter to parishes encouraging the faithful to adhere to chruch teaching. This teaching only applies to republicans in the Fresno diocese. The bishops refusal to publicly confront Costa or at least put out a statement refuting his letter only casts more doubt in the faithfuls mind of Steinbocks ability to manage the diocese. Steinbock is in the camp of not wanting to politicize the eucharist which is jsut as bad as being like th eKennedy’s and being personaly against abortion but making it available to all. These alleged catholics need to be told the truth by their bishops.
James Isabella – If you’ve been on this site for any length of time, you would realize that you’re dealing with some of the smartest and best informed people in the Church. Believe me, everybody here knows about the problems the Jews have faced, and nobody here is either responsible for them or thinks that hostility to the Jews was a good thing. The last 3 popes prior to this one have either acted or spoken time and time again to repudiate the things that people, under the pretext of being Christian, did to the Jews. This pope has also apologized, and has been extremely careful when dealing with the Jews to show respect on every level. How far do we have to go? What will be enough to convince them of our sincerity? For the Church to stop existing?
The fact is that this has nothing to do with the Jews. Many Jews are, unfortunately, very left-wing and easily manipulated by the press, and what you are seeing here is a media-launched attack on the Pope, using Jews as the weapon.
“DENNIS J. KUCINICH” DENNIS KUCINICH????
Dennis the Menace is “catholic” culturally only. He has not been a practicing Catholic since before his FIRST divorce in the early 1970s.
In fact the majority on that list are “catholic” because the saying goes, once baptized Catholic, always catholic. By that definition, both Tom Cruise and John Travotia are “catholic.”
Sorry, if I were the Holy Father I would pray for their reconversion and reunion back into holy Mother Church, as to the letter itself, filed in the circular file.
I wonder, if we got every bishop and priest in the world to sign a petition asking them to end legalized murder of innocent babies, if they would kindly respond? If they really are the catholics they claim to be, they, having the authority and place they have, would use their vote to over turn Roe V wade. I would say they need to do that before they dare to be so insulant as to dictate to the Vicar of Christ!
And speaking of the ‘media-launched attacks on the Pope,” there is a particularly nasty editorial piece in USA Today this date, attacking Pope Benedict for not being responsive enough to this “recent fiasco.” The author is an arrogant,ill-informed, non-Catholic fool.
nonhttp://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/02/for-the-vatican.html?loc=interstitialskip
Blithering as in BLITHERING, idiots as in IDIOTS! Sad to say that at least four of our Massachusetts apostates are signatories, but our besandaled Cardinal Archbishop is unlikely to take any notice. Shh, don’t wake him!
My Congressman, Jim Moran complaining about anti-semitism is like O.J. Simpson complaining about being a crime victim:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091402171.html
If I was the Pope, I would respond to these people with “Personally, I am opposed to Holocost deniers, but I could hardly impose my views on others”. Then again, this is one of the MANY MANY reasons why I am not the Pope and never will be. :)
Fr. Z,
You should compare the list of these representatives to the list of reps. that wrote to Benedict over denial of communion to politicians.
See http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=51150
title of article is “House Democrats rap Pope’s stand against pro-abortion pols”
many of the same cast of characters. You may also note
Betty McCollum of MN. Her contact info can be found on http://www.mccollum.house.gov/
Maybe His Holiness will take this opportunity to turn the table on these faux Catholics and take them to task over their pro-death votes. Tom
Oy…these so-called ‘catholic’ politicians…they sure have a lot of gall [chutzpah] telling the Holy Father what to do….
Rachel-what you said! [thumbs up]
Voting record of Rosa DeLauro:
* Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Jan 2007)
* Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
* Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
* Voted NO on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
* Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
* Voted NO on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
* Voted NO on funding for health providers who don’t provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
* Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
* Voted NO on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)
* Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
* Voted NO on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
* Recommended by EMILY’s List of pro-choice women. (Apr 2001)
* Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
* Expand contraceptive services for low-income women. (May 2006)
* Emergency contraception for rape victims at all hospitals. (Sep 2006)
* Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
* Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
* Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
* Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
Chutzpah is too kind a word for this wicked, rapacious and unconscionable rabble of baby killers who have the blood of millions of God’s Innocent Unborn Children on their hands! And, they are NOT “liberal” but the hypocritical minions of hell, masquerading as the righteous defenders of the persecuted and defenseless peoples of the world. These miserable, blind hypocrits, addicted to the smoke of satan, cannot possibly withstand the holiness of Pope Benedict’s presence and power in the world, and lash out against him with their vain and impotent criticisms. One day, each and everyone of them will come groveling before the the terrible Judgment of the Holy and Just One and view the millions of innocents they have condemned to death. May the infinite mercy of God grant them the grace of conversion before they do so.