Tolerance is one of founding principles of the United States. It is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, which declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Sadly, we have not always lived up to such lofty rhetoric, as evidenced most notably in the practice of slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War and racism and bigotry that historically have scarred our society. But we have the capacity to learn from past errors, and we continue to do so. The American dream lives on, in spite of the many challenges we still face. But it is threatened.
Recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, are indicative of the limits of tolerance. The hate-driven speech and actions of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and the KKK are rooted in a racism that can find no home in this country or our world. To invoke the name of God as justification for racist bigotry is an affront to all believers.
Santa Clara County, in which we are privileged to live, to raise families, and to contribute to the common good, is enriched by the religious, cultural and ethnic diversity of its residents and workers. This diversity is not only our strength; it is also our beauty. As Catholics, we are involved in a dialogue that builds bridges within our own parishes and diocese and with the larger community. We cherish the descendants of those who were here before the Europeans, as well as all whose relatives – or even themselves – have come to this Valley in successive waves of immigration. In the same way, we must foster and defend the rights and the dignity of all who are vulnerable because of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, language or any other defining characteristic.
From Diocese of San Jose website.
He’s campaigning to be named a cardinal by Pope Francis. That’s what this posturing is all about. He issued this statement hoping that Pope Francis would notice. Nobody cares what he thinks about what happened on the other side of the country. It doesn’t affect his diocese. He’s not involved. So why did he issue the statement? He’s running for cardinal.
Ascribing intent into a person’s heart or behavior belongs to God Almighty alone. It is not up to folks like you to determine whatever the intent of this Bishop is for making this statement because only God—not Sawyer—can see fully into the heart of another.
What horsefeathers! Coming from one who judges—as malicious— other people’s hearts all the time.
WRONG! I do not judge the intent of people’s comments here. I judge people’s comments prima facie.
That’s OK,but now let’s hope he has the courage to stand-up for the one true God represented by the Roman Catholic Church and try to convert these sinners and their flocks to save their souls. Living in Heaven and Hell are for Eternity. Living on Earth is only Temporary!
It’s the Left that is unraveling our nation, society, culture and Church. The bishop got quite a lot wrong, starting with the “diversity is our strength” garbage. That platitude is simply repeated by the Left but never backed up. Diversity of values and culture is a weakness and a threat to national and social strength and unity, as we are witnessing in our times. Our country is unraveling because it is too diverse in destructive ways. Diversity is assuredly not a strength. The Left hates America and does everything it can to destroy unity around American ideals and principles, substituting a toxic identity politics that pits one group against another and most recently violently.
Why isn’t the bishop wearing his pectoral cross? Did Jesus get thrown under the diversity bus? Is the bishop ashamed to be a Catholic bishop?
Great point, about McGrath discarding his pectoral cross: but after all, this is from his “inter-faith” meeting a few months back, with some happy Muslim imams; so that means one must discard and conceal any outward evidence of “My-Faith”.. like an offensive cross.
We are beyond the point where we would find it disturbing that our 8Episcopal leadership so readily will discard the sign of contradiction, Jesus Christ
Sexual orientation??? Now there is a solid Catholic concept! Nice going PJ!
Yes, Ron, defending the rights and dignity of peoples regardless of their sexual orientation IS a solid Catholic concept. Please see the Catechism of the Catholic Church!
YFC, once again your are you are out of touch with objective truth. Sodomy is one of the sins that cry to heaven for vengeance.
YFC Error has no rights….
Covfefe,
The leftists are also the biggest racists and biggots! Look at all the news reporting of people identifying them as an African American, Mexican American, Somalian American, Chinese American, Polish American, South African American, and etc. So am I a Czech American since my ancestors legally immigrated from the Czech Republic? Heck no! I am an American and we don’t need racist labels unless a crime has happened and the suspect might be more easily identified and captured.
San Jose was where Trump supporters were chased out and pelted with eggs while the San Jose Police Department cowardly stood down by the order of the Commie Hispanic Democrat mayor. San Jose and its Catholic Bishop bring shame to our Nation. Viva Trump! Hope this Commie bishop does not get rewarded by our Pope Francis with a Cardinalship, although such hopes are unlikely considering His Jesuit anti-Church stance.
Now, there are there Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose is a good Jesuit product, Bellarmine Prep and Georgetown U— and has decided to throw in his lot with the far left Pelosi movement.
Interesting however that he’s not accused of. “White Privilege”, having grown up in a very elite suburb, went to an elite prep school and University, and is the scion of a wealthy real estate investment family. Tsk, tsk. White guilt?
For the sake of inclusion i wonder if he offered them communion.
“Diversity of values and culture is a weakness and a threat” To what? Your white interpretation of America. The Catholic Church is a coat of many colors my friend. Live with it. Live with love.
“Can you bring people together in love when their is zero shared praxis between them?” — Fr. Ed Tomlinson, a former Anglican.
The answer of course is no. People in this country cannot even agree on what love is any more.
Correction:” there is” not “their is”.
We can pray for their conversion, nonetheless, and do acts of kindness toward them that do not put our own in jeopardy, but without giving up our convictions. Sometimes there is a fine line between helping others and denying Christ.
Lord Jesus give us the wisdom and fortitude not to deny you.
Panther Mom– There are those who come to America, with a big chip on their shoulders — and basically reject America, preferring their old country, and their old language and customs, in their hearts, proclaiming so-called “diversity,” bringing much unnecessary discord and trouble. Others come to America with tremendous hope, joy, and gratitude, eagerly embrace their new land, put up with initial hardships of getting settled, put up with being “new and different,” eagerly learn English, study for and proudy pass citizenship exams, and seek only to be good Americans, working for the good of all, in their cherished new land! That takes a lot of maturity, courage, and strength, and a good attitude!
There are always tremendous problems, when one group or region in a country, desires individual identity, over coming together for the good of the whole Nation. President Abraham Lincoln faced a very painful problem, during the Civil War, in which he and his wife had family and friends, scattered in both the North and the South, living in different regions, when the Civil War broke out. Lincoln did not believe in a divided country. He told all family loved ones and friends, who were visitors to the White House, that they were all welcome– but would not allow any political discussions. He insisted on only Christian Love! For his beliefs, he later was killed.
When peoples of different backgrounds come together to form a good country, they must give up their past, and work together in love and good discipline, for a new and excellent country, for the highest good of all. Many immigrants believe in and value America so greatly, that they joyfully relinquish their former homeland and identities, eager to become their dream-come-true– “Proud to be an American!” In our Church, for centuries, wise Church leaders have allowed converts of foreign lands to keep some of their customs, while becoming good practicing Catholics. In the Catholic Church, no matter where you are from — we all are Catholic Christians, unified in Christ.
Bishop ‘happy meal’ is bringing Radical Gender Feminist / Homosex Hate Propaganda in to the “Charlottesville fracas” – when nobody else was pushing that sick agenda behind it, even the lefties…
Gosh, he sure has his priorities ‘straight’ – Not.
And Trashing Church Teaching on Objectively Disordered Evils seems paramount amongst them.
But then like the Klintonistas say – “Never let a good crisis go to waste”, or is that to your waist.
Catholic Prelates and Muslim Immigration
https://www.catholicjournal.us/2017/08/18/catholic-prelates-muslim-immigration/
For almost two millennia, Christianity has survived innumerable challenges from without, including heresies, schisms and philosophical “isms,” as well as more than a few challenges from within. But the most dangerous challenge of all may be one that was overcome seven centuries ago but is now regenerated—the challenge posed by Islam…
their Muslim belief obligates them to replace the host country’s ethical, legal, and religious culture with their own Sharia system.
Left-wing groups provoke the problems and confrontations and provide theater for the media to film, then the left-wing media blame President Trump and conservatives for the problems that the left-wing groups provoked. That’s how the media circus works.
President Trump was right not to single out the original demonstrators for sole or harsher criticism.
Anybody who doesn’t realize that Oz is pulling levers and speaking into the microphone, creating a false reality for the media to peddle to zombie Americans, isn’t understanding what is going on in our country.
I wonder what our Catholic & Orthodox brethren in the middle east currently being exterminated by those members of the religion of peace would think of this photo
Pray for Bishop McGrath and Bishop McElroy to wake up before they face Almighty God! They are leading many sheep to the slaughter. They both have ignored the Church’s wisdom in favor of earthly political gain.
Radio Message at the closing of the National Catechetical Congress of the United States in Boston (October 26, 1946) | PIUS XII
“Perhaps the greatest sin in the world today is that men have begun to lose the sense of sin.” – PIUS XII
https://w2.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/speeches/1946/documents/hf_p-xii_spe_19461026_congresso-catechistico-naz.html
The threat of white racism is a myth and a hoax. Blacks are least likely to be victims of racial attacks and overwhelmingly the perpetrators of such. There is in fact an epidemic of black-on-nonblack assault particularly on whites and asians. But to even mention it, heaven forbid, you’d better be ready to explain yourself. And if you’re expecting the American Bishops to speak of it, well, don’t hold your breath.
So, it’s back to Char-la-lottesville.
McGrath’s comment on Japanese-Americans during WWII is an oft-repeated falsehood. Those of Japanese descent on the West Coast were relocated not interned if they couldn’t move on their own. Only certain classes of aliens were interned.
Most adults were immigrant aliens (Issei) while the bulk of second generation (Nisei) citizens were dependent minors. Of the adult Nisei, the vast majority were dual citizens.
The relocation broke up a Japanese espionage ring on the West Coast that ran from Canada through Central America as revealed from declassified MAGIC cables.
Many of the comments regarding this post are irrational. One cannot be a Catholic Christian and disrespect, hate, assault, murder or bully others. Period. Jesus Christ, Our Lord, was a victim of the mob mentality, bigotry and hate.