Profiles In Cowardice
Catholic-style
Here's some of the article from CatholicCulture.org; (Comments mine)Archbishops Dolan, Listecki reluctant to deny Communion to pro-abortion politicians
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York told an Albany television reporter on March 9 that he does not favor denying Holy Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion and same-sex marriage.
“NEWS10's John McLoughlin asked Archbishop Dolan if he favored denying the Church's Sacraments to politicians, like Governor David Paterson, who are Roman Catholic but also pro-choice and pro-gay marriage,” WTEN-TV reported. “The prelate acknowledged that some of his fellow bishops might favor such a ban, but Dolan said he does not, preferring to follow the lead of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who said it was better to try to persuade them than to impose sanctions.” (I don't know what Abp. Dolan's been smoking, but then Cdl. Ratzinger decreed in 2004 the following in reference to the reception of Holy Communion by pro-abortion politicians - "the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it".)
In Milwaukee, Archbishop Jerome Listecki said that he, too, would be averse to the idea of denying the Eucharist to a prominent abortion advocate, although he did exclude the possibility. The newly installed archbishop told an audience at the Milwaukee Press Club that his decision would take into account "the impact of whatever that person is doing." Before taking disciplinary action, he said, he would want to "help them come to an understanding of the teaching." (Your Excellency, these aren't stupid people. They already understand the teaching. They just simply don't give a damn. You've been issued a crozier... use it, or step aside for someone who will.)
Catholic-style
Here's some of the article from CatholicCulture.org; (Comments mine)
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York told an Albany television reporter on March 9 that he does not favor denying Holy Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion and same-sex marriage.
“NEWS10's John McLoughlin asked Archbishop Dolan if he favored denying the Church's Sacraments to politicians, like Governor David Paterson, who are Roman Catholic but also pro-choice and pro-gay marriage,” WTEN-TV reported. “The prelate acknowledged that some of his fellow bishops might favor such a ban, but Dolan said he does not, preferring to follow the lead of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who said it was better to try to persuade them than to impose sanctions.” (I don't know what Abp. Dolan's been smoking, but then Cdl. Ratzinger decreed in 2004 the following in reference to the reception of Holy Communion by pro-abortion politicians - "the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it".)
In Milwaukee, Archbishop Jerome Listecki said that he, too, would be averse to the idea of denying the Eucharist to a prominent abortion advocate, although he did exclude the possibility. The newly installed archbishop told an audience at the Milwaukee Press Club that his decision would take into account "the impact of whatever that person is doing." Before taking disciplinary action, he said, he would want to "help them come to an understanding of the teaching." (Your Excellency, these aren't stupid people. They already understand the teaching. They just simply don't give a damn. You've been issued a crozier... use it, or step aside for someone who will.)
posted by Kevin Whiteman at
11:47 AM
12 Comments:
Although I believe in the promise about the Church "...and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.", I must say that some of our heirarchs tend to resist evil by the non-violent path: Open the door and let it in.
I can not believe this. We in NY had hoped that BP Dolan was a conservative, and instead turns into a political wimp. I am at the point of searching out the closest SSPX congregation.
Itzik
Dolan? How disheartening. :-(
Abp. Dolan is VERY politically attuned; he proved that in Milwaukee, over and over and over again.
He's a 'gradualist,' pushing towards orthodoxy to be sure, but never pushing too hard.
Itzik, Go For It!! The best thing we can do is point out to these "Bishops" that we want them to lead, if the won't we will find men who will.
I agree with Dad29 about Dolan. He might not have a hard edge that delivers the red meat you're craving but he is carefully working towards Orthodoxy. He leads with a smile and a joke, slowly rallying the flock to his side. However, as the outgoing Kennedy will tell you, he can occasionally deliver a big blow.
My knowledge of Listecki is similar.
I wish the term "cowardly" would be used more carefully. The USCCB has many many members that should concern orthodox minded Catholics, but these are two to be thankful for.
Adam,
I understand what you're saying... just not agreeing 100%.
We're talking about dogma, not discipline. I may shock many of me felloe Trads, but I'm a favor of a married priesthood (worked just fine in the Eastern Rites for 2,000 years).
But anyway, we're discussing the REAL Body and Blood of Christ in The Eucharist. It's real simple for me... one either defends our Eucharistic Christ, or one doesn't.
Unfortunantly, these two 'shepherds' have opted to treat Christ as some type of vague, ambiguous political football.
I find that to be cowardly.
I love your uncompromising defense of our Eucharistic lord. I wish I could find more of it outside the blogosphere.
I think you and these two bishops share similar concerns, though. The Eucharist should not be a 'vague, ambiguous political football'. It's no coincidence that the debate "to withhold or not withhold" is played out primarily in election years on the secular news. The cameras follow the pro-aborts to mass and the drama plays out before the alter...during the sacrament.
The inevitable lefty debates ensue, "why just abortion pols?" Why not politician's who support capital punishment? or are against universal healthcare? or supported the Iraq war, despite Vatican disapproval? Aren't those major issues that effect "lives"?
My point is you that feel "it's real simple for me..." However, I don't agree it's real simple, especially when you're dealing with the politics of New York and Milwaukee (and the bishops don't have more than year in their see between them).
I think these guys will win you over. We'll see. I'll be the first one crying if I'm wrong.
Adam, I gotta disagree with ya. It really is "that simple". And NY and Milwaukee politics be damned. We have centuries of martyrs that died for The Eucharist. What these two shepherds are doing denigrates not only their memory, but their sacrifice as well.
But you do provide some thought provoking ComBox posts! Keep 'em coming.
Milwaukee has a bishop...not a coward.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/93593909.html
Adam,
Please explain why he refuses to deny The Eucharist to those that slaughter children.
Well. I tried that, unsucessfully. Oh well.
My point in following up was to reassure you that Listecki was not of same pattern of bishop that has prevailed in the church following Vatican II. He does clash with the establishment. Marquette and much of the church have been eroded over a period of decades. He's working to bring it back.
I'd love to see the light of day shine on many bishops who have minimalized the Eucharist, but these aren't 2 of them.
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