The following comes from an April 2 posting on the website of First Things, written by the editor, R.R. Reno.
It follows an April 1 statement by the Indiana bishops saying, “We urge all people of good will to show mutual respect for one another so that the necessary dialogue and discernment can take place to ensure that no one in Indiana will face discrimination whether it is for their sexual orientation or for living their religious beliefs.”
As I expected, the leaders of the Catholic Church have done everything they can to avoid saying anything in response to the furor over the Indiana RFRA. Their counsel is “dialogue,” an unfortunate weasel word long used by administrators who don’t want to take a stand.
On its face, the wording of this bland statement suggests the bishops believe the Indiana law could permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (They’re calling for “dialogue” to make sure that doesn’t happen.) But this is an over-reading of the statement. It’s really just a political evasion of responsibility searching for words.
Some months ago, I predicted that Catholicism in America would basically accommodate itself to whatever sexual regime dominates our society. The accommodation won’t be explicit. The Church won’t endorse homosexuality or gay marriage. Instead, the bishops will step aside, avoid controversy, and just stop talking about things that carry a high price for dissent. This duck-and-cover non-statement fits perfectly into this trajectory.
My first impulse is to laugh. The statement tries to signal support for religious freedom, but qualifies. “The rights of a person should never be used inappropriately in order to deny the rights of another.” And so maybe Tim Cook is right to denounce the Indiana law. Time for dialogue. Oh, “justice and mercy” too. But wait, religious liberty is important. Except when it’s not. But sometimes it really is . . .
But I can’t laugh, because the tragedy is too poignant. Doubtless there are faithful Catholics in Indiana who think marriage is only possible between a man and a woman. Doubtless they resist the pro-gay propaganda their children are subjected to by the media and often in school. Doubtless they try to support the Church’s teaching on sex, family, and marriage. In the midst of a propaganda blitz denouncing all dissent from the coming regime of gay rights, this anodyne non-statement says to them, “You’re on your own.”
I’m sure that’s not the intent of the Indiana bishops. They’re undoubtedly faithful men trying to be good pastors. But they’re also disoriented by the rapid pace of cultural and political change in America (aren’t we all). And, to be frank, they’re also disoriented by mixed messages from Rome. (Who are they to judge?) They’re as frightened as the rest of us of being denounced as “homophobic bigots.” Furthermore, it’s surely true that many Catholics under their care believe the hyper-denunciatory propaganda campaign against the Indiana law and would respond with anger and outrage to any clear statement supporting it.
Every option has a price. So they find a way to do nothing. Duck-and-cover.
I’m all for sober, dispassionate, and non-partisan church leadership that stays focused on core moral and religious principles rather than allowing itself to be drawn into the partisan fray. But connection to reality is important too. Right now the propaganda against the Indiana RFRA has made it clear that any resistance to the magisterium of the gay rights movement will be denounced as anti-American bigotry. Can the Church survive as a public institution in such a context without capitulating?
What they should have done is patently obvious. We need religious leaders to denounce the hyperbolic propaganda for what it is and express unequivocal support for the Indiana RFRA. Such a statement would reflect a sober assessment of what best serves the common good and promises to protect, however imperfectly, the freedom of Christians (and Jews and Muslims and others) to teach, educate, and serve in accord with traditional moral teaching about sex, family, and marriage.
You cannot dialogue with sin. Sure, some circumstances can make the sin less sinful, but all men have free will, and can choose right from wrong. If the wrong is freely chosen, then mortal sin is the result. Of course, these habitual sinners seldom go to confession, and so they have also been brainwashed with the garbage the liberals dish out.
Well Father we agree once again….yes you are correct. I think that the liberal mentality is winning because of media, Hollywood….etc If all who are faithful, read their bible, the CCC and where obedient to Christ’s church, we would be more like minded but unfortunately this world just seems to get worst.
When we have men committing infidelity, worshiping modern day idols and self in vein or vanity, etc….divorce is growing rapidly too because we lack courageous men to protect their woman and children from it, women are pushed into vicious cycles such as feminism etc . The problems we see here are societal issues that are not addressed well because people of faith embrace moral relativism, we are outgunned and the few that do speak up, they are always not good enough so people will slander them etc.. When we lack the fear of God in us, we see more and more people stray away from the truth that saves. It leaves many that are under their charge, vulnerable to spiritual attacks. God have mercy on us all. God help us endure this life and may we remain faithful till the end until Jesus comes again and saves us.
Fr Z had the following on his site for consideration:
” When they come to destroy your business because you are pro-traditional family”
https://wdtprs.com/blog/2015/04/when-they-come-to-destroy-your-business-because-you-are-pro-traditional-family/
” Tell them that the food and services will be just fine.
And then inform them that all of the money that they pay for the services will be donated to a traditional pro-family lobby.
If it is something like catering, where your employees have to be there to provide services, tell them that all your people will smile, be professional, and everyone of them will be wearing crucifixes and have the Holy Family embroidered on their uniforms.
Then show them pictures of your uniforms. When the truck pulls up, speakers will be playing Immaculate Mary. Show them the truck and play the music.
“Oh, you would be offended by that? I’m so sorry. You approached us because we are Christians. Right?
We are happy to provide services for you and we are grateful that you chose to come to our Christian catering business. We just want to be of help.”
Then tell them that you will take out an ad in the paper to let everyone know what you did with their money,
thanking them by name for their business so that you could make the contribution. “
What a sad lot these bishops are … very disappointing.
Cowards, that’s what they are.
yes indeed…cowards and tired of their like….our Lord will correct their evil deed for interfering when we are trying to protect our rights to live our faith!
Thank God that R.R. Reno is now the editor of First Things! An article like this would never have appeared when Joseph Bottom was the editor. The bishops have once again left the sheep to the wolves, but that’s OK. We have to answer for our eternal souls just as they have to answer for theirs. Pray for them and the conversion of all sinners. Don’t panic. God’s plan is the best. Entrust everything to Divine Providence. Jesus has already won over Satan. Just be patient and persevere in faithfulness and purity of heart.
if it were only bakeries and photography studios, James, I agree it’d be a clever solution…but what about the intrusion of homosexuality in the schools, the blatant pro- homosexual parades ( a big one in Bloomington) and on and on. I was going to attend a seminar in Bloomington a few years ago and looked for motels on line…they were all advertising bring ‘gay friendly’ and I called the manager of one and asked why they just didn’t say ALL were welcomed…that as it was, they were telling muslims, Jews and Christians that we didn’t matter…his response was that they knew where the money was and the bottom line was what made the most money. These bishops have been avoiding any confrontation for years. Contrary to popular belief, Indiana has a large homosexual population because it is such a friendly welcoming place…and now these warm, open people are losing their state, literally. Dialogue to those bishops is another word for avoidance in the hope they can cower comfortably until they reach a cushy retirement. It can’t happen on their watch if they’re not watching, right? They’re not shepherds, but observers…if a wolf is spotted they think they won’t be eaten if they avoid eye contact? Just have a chaw and a jaw, all friendly like.
Father Z’s suggestions are hilarious, and wonderfully creative!
HOWEVER, as for those who say the word “dialog” is too weasel-like, what do they expect?
Us to act like the Islamic State?
Smash anyone who disagrees?
How about following the example of Our Lord, who chose to dialog even with the GREATEST sinners in an attempt to show how wrong they were, or to change their hearts, or to reveal his Father’s will?
Anonymous, most Homosexuals do not want to dialogue. It is silly to expect otherwise.
They want everyone to adhere to their lifestyle – sodomy, etc., end of subject.
Homosexuals know that their acts are against Christian and Jewish Faiths, and they do not care.
* * * They want to make people of Faith bow down to their sexual sins. * * *
Even Jesus did not change the hearts of many, because God gave them a free will.
Jesus did not come to bring Peace. Mt 10:34-39.
Jesus said “Many” will not be Saved. Mt 7:13-14; Lk 13:23-28.
I love Archbishop Tobin. He is a recovering alcoholic who has been a member of AA for years. He has a couple of YouTube videos where he shares his testimony.
A good leader, in religious or civic life, must grow up and learn to handle adult life, and stand up for what is truly right in this world! That is a big responsibility! YES– life has conflicts, and one must mature, and learn to handle differences of opinion! False, babyish “tolerance,” “go along to get along,” NO!! Babyish!! And YES– lots of nasty people will never like you, for your demands of moral correctness! The Bible is full of examples, insights, and guidance, on this topic!! One has to have moral backbone, and walk the right path, as Jesus taught us– “walk that lonesome valley,” all alone, by yourself, as Christ did! But God is with you, the whole time! That is the ONLY way!! And the only way to true peace, also– is with God, doing the right thing, and being at peace because you did it, as God asked you to do!! “False tolerance” is NOT “peace,” it is a horrible time bomb, that will someday explode!! Our civic leaders, and Church leaders– are in for trouble, with their failure to properly address the evils of our times!!
This story seems to confirm the suspicion that many of those bishops in powerful positions are compromised. They are subject to blackmail by homosexuals with whom they had sexual encounters. Some others are themselves gay. Some others are highly sympathetic to the “gay rights” movement, and accommodate the gay lifestyle in various ways. Because of that, I don’t think we will see any meaningful leadership from the bishops anytime soon.
Rodney, Your post is spot on.
Taken from Father Dariusz Oko’s Major Article ‘With the Pope against Homoheresy’
A Global Phenomenon
“This can also be seen in the fear and confusion of the clergy, particularly in certain dioceses and congregations, when faced with that topic – they escape into silence, unable to articulate even elementary statements on the teaching of the Church on the subject. What are they afraid of? Where does that fear in entire groups of mature, adult men come from? And where do the neuroses, heart diseases and other complaints come from in priests who nevertheless try to oppose such phenomena, especially to protect children and youth? They must be afraid of some influential lobby which wields its power and which they may fall into disfavour with[7].
In order for such evil to be concealed and tolerated, it is necessary that the right people hold key positions, and that not only a homolobby, but a homoclique or a homomafia is created. Indeed, that is what the present Polish Minister of Justice, Jarosław Gowin, called that group when referring to the scandal of homosexual abuses perpetrated by priests in the Diocese of Płock, the offences of molestation against young people and seminarians, and the covering up of such facts. He said that when he intervened in the Church in the case of Archbishop Paetz, he had the impression he was dealing with a mafia, brutally negating even the most obvious principles and facts.[8]”
The huge flap over that law proves that the real “haters” are mostly on the left side of the political spectrum. I live in Indiana and was quite surprised that so many people across the country suddenly began hating the state and its people. The thing we need to look at and discuss is the “Thought Police” who seem to start trouble just to intimidate others. They are trying to stuff their ideology down the throats of us all using intimidation. They deserve contempt and nothing else.
Ted, do you think the crowds of protesters are local, normal people– or are most of them imported, out-of-state political agitators– perhaps some of them paid– along with crazy, unstable, liberal college kids?? How many are normal, responsible, registered voters, who live and work in your state?? They are actually terrorizing the American public into doing what they want, like a bunch of two-year-olds, with temper tantrums! I do not think anyone should listen to these people!
Some things are not negotiable and therefore dialogue is only a waste of time…..time that could be used for prayer and fasting.
If being a faithful Catholic means being called a “homophobic bigot”, then I will bear the name proudly. Those are just words and have no power over me. They only have power over those who do not have the courage of conviction required to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God and not the approval of men. The Holy Martyrs went to their deaths for having the conviction of proudly bearing the name of “Christian,”refusing to burn the pinch of incense to Caesar. I will not burn the pinch of incense to the gay notion of “equality” which places mortal sin on the same plane of race and demands that Christians recognize their perversion as “normal.”If you fear the words “homophobic” or “bigot” of “racist”or any other of the buzzwords that the sodomites and liberals have co-opted to bully their opponents, then you will be ruled by those who use those words to beat you into submission. “Dialog” with those who seek to destroy me? Never!
Viva Christo Rey!
* The author lived the radical homosex indoctrination book targeting school children titled: “Heather has Two Mommies” – This is Her Analysis:
“Dear Gay Community: Your Kids Are Hurting
https://thefederalist.com/2015/03/17/dear-gay-community-your-kids-are-hurting/
Gay community, I am your daughter. My mom raised me with her same-sex partner back in the ’80s and ’90s… Do you remember that book, “Heather Has Two Mommies”?
– I’m writing to you because I’m letting myself out of the closet: I don’t support gay marriage. But it might not be for the reasons that you think.
Children Need a Mother and Father
It’s not because you’re gay. I love you, so much. It’s because of the nature of the same-sex relationship itself…
– now, as I watch my children loving and being loved by their father each day, that I can see the beauty and wisdom in traditional marriage and parenting.
Same-sex marriage and parenting withholds either a mother or father from a child while telling him or her that it doesn’t matter. That it’s all the same. But it’s not. A lot of us, a lot of your kids, are hurting…
I grew up surrounded by women who said they didn’t need or want a man. Yet, as a little girl, I so desperately wanted a daddy…
Gay marriage doesn’t just redefine marriage, but also parenting. It promotes and normalizes a family structure that necessarily denies us something precious and foundational.
This story link demonstrates that the Gaystapo Propaganda Scam is Not about buying food, or other items – but about Forcing People to Speak Against Their Own Conscience and Faith.
No one is refusing to sell cakes – but they are refusing to Write / Decorate them in a manner they find offensive. As the link shows, Who is offended is More Important when it is a Gaystapo Mau Mau Artiste…
– and those with Different Viewpoints do Not have the Same Rights.
Of course – the Baker / Decorator… Has a First Amendment Right – Not To Speak, which is what is being violated, by Forcing Speech / Writing they find offensive.
SEE
State agency backs bakery that refused to decorate cakes with message critical of homosexuality
Catholic World News – 4-6-15
https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=24533
The Colorado Civil Rights Division ruled that a bakery in Denver did not engage in discrimination when it refused to decorate cakes with messages critical of homosexuality…
According to a local media report, Jack also asked “that one cake have the image of two groomsmen holding hands in front of a cross with a red ‘X’ over them.”
Back in the 1960’s, when all the crazy liberals and filthy hippies tried to destroy our society, especially wreaking havoc on college campuses– I thought at the time, that all the colleges should close down, and send these kids home to their parents!! With permanent EXPULSIONS, for their bad behavior, and NO POSSIBLE RE-ADMISSION!! These kids were all TOO IMMATURE to go to college! What they really wanted– was a big excuse for a continuous, fraternity-style, WILD PARTY— of dope, horrid rock “music,” sex, and vast civil disobedience and destruction, everywhere! I also thought, there should never be such a thing, as a rock “concert!” There should be high standards of quality for all things in a society– including art, music, food, clothes, etc. A little Elvis (etc.) is fine– but don’t go too far, or the law needs to step in, and haul ’em off to jail!! Lots of greedy adult record promoters love to make a fortune, out of immature kids, with too much pocket change! Get the kids hooked on rock “music,” dope, and pornography– and they will laugh at ’em– all the way to the bankety-bank!!
LOVE THIS! Check it out!
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/when-they-come-to-destroy-your-business-because-you-are-pro-traditional-fam
Family Research Council has the following petition on its website, and you may want to sign on to it and have Your Representative get a copy, I did:
http://www.frc.org
“I am writing to urge you to cosponsor the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act of 2015 (MARFA), sponsored by Senator Mike Lee and Representative Raúl Labrador.
MARFA would prevent the federal government from discriminating against individuals, organizations, and small business owners who affirm marriage as between a man and a woman. MARFA would prohibit the federal government from penalizing persons for their personal moral or religious beliefs in natural marriage in federal employment, grants, contracts, tax treatment, and other programs.
The current Administration seeks to use moral and religious convictions about marriage as a disqualifying factor for interaction with the federal government. This position unfairly discriminates against the millions of Americans who affirm the truth about marriage and who seek to live their lives in accordance with their personal moral beliefs.
Government should not push organizations and individuals out of the public square simply because they believe in marriage between a man and a woman. Please cosponsor this legislation to prevent the federal government from penalizing people for their beliefs about marriage.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael McDermott
Any attorney would recognize that such a bill would be just as unconstitutional as DOMA, struck down by the Supreme Court 2 years ago.
BTW – In case anyone hadn’t caught the scam… the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act of 2015 (MARFA) is Very Unpopular with the ‘Anonymous’ Radical Homosex Trolls who roost here.