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April 05, 2012 2:28 PM
Another Bishop Shreds the Seamless Garment
Here:
A small Catholic college that invited Victoria Reggie Kennedy to speak at its spring commencement has rescinded the offer under pressure from the Worcester bishop, who described her apparent political views as out of line with Catholic teachings.
Anna Maria College in Paxton, west of Worcester, released a statement today placing the decision at the feet of Bishop Robert J. McManus and saying it still believes Kennedy is an appropriate choice.
However, the statement continued, “after hours of discerning and struggling with elements of all sides of this issue, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees decided with deep regret to withdraw its invitation.”
Anna Maria, a independent liberal arts college with 1,100 students, is deeply entwined with the diocese; last night, its president attended a dinner with McManus. Its statement notes that “as a small, Catholic college that relies heavily on the good will of its relationship with the Bishop and the larger Catholic community, its options are limited.”
Kennedy, the wife of the late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, published her own statement noting that the bishop refused to meet with her despite her overtures.
“He has not consulted with my pastor to learn more about me or my faith,” read the statement. “Yet by objecting to my appearance at Anna Maria College he has made a judgment about my worthiness as a Catholic. This is a sad day for me and an even sadder one for the Church I love.”
McManus declined to comment, but diocese spokesman Ray Delisle said his actions were consistent with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ ruling “that Catholic institutions should not be honoring Catholics who take positions publicly which are contrary to the Catholic faith’s most fundamental principles, particularly on the dignity of life from conception and the sanctity of marriage.”
As they say, read the whole thing. The bishop also seems very concerned about health coverage for contraception.
Note, of course, that the Bishops’ injunction does not seem to apply to Republicans. Caring for the poor, social solidarity, even the death penalty are irrelevant. Readers who have information about Republicans being denied similar venues, or being threatened with the withdrawal of the Eucharist for their anti-Catholic views on these issues, are encouraged to send them in. In the meantime. given that rebranding is all the rage these days, the bishops might need a new slogan:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: The Tea Party At Prayer
[Cross-posted at The Reality-Based Community]
CT on April 05, 2012 4:06 PM:
Why doesn't the Catholic Church just merge with the Calvary Baptists and be done with it? Alternatively, perhaps it should simply register as the Catholic Party so it can accept superpac money.
Crissa on April 05, 2012 4:36 PM:
I was hoping you'd point to juicy bits about Republicans, but alas.
Rick Fueyo on April 05, 2012 6:24 PM:
Instead of the "The Tea Party At Prayer", I personally prefer a play on the Jesuits' motto - "Ad Majorem GOP Gloriam", which I think capture the current American Episcopacy
Snarki, child of Loki on April 06, 2012 7:38 AM:
Didn't the saga of Mark Foley make clear that the GOP is the natural home for pedophiles, and therefore the Catholic Church heirarchy?
Yeah yeah social justice death penalty unjust wars blah blah blah, don't you people understand that there are kids to be buggered and bitches to be slapped and that's GOD'S WORK.
Why, you'll find the slapping and buggery mandates in the GOP bible, right between the parts about "blessed are they who kill thousands in a war based on lies", and before "render unto Caeser a bathtub-drowning".