After hearing about New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan inviting President Barack Obama to speak again at Al Smith fundraiser for New York Catholic Charities, I had to wonder if Pope Fabian would have invited Roman Emperor Decius to dinner to help raise money for the Church. I wonder if Pope Fabian would have given honor and platform to a man who was forcing Catholics choose between government or God. ...
As President of the United States Bishop’s Conference Dolan should remember well that in ‘Catholics in Political Life’, the U.S. bishops said:
“The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.”
The New York Catholic Charities is a Catholic institution! The Diocese of New York City is a Catholic community!
Apart from the moral scandal, it is somewhat odd to invite to a fancy gala a man who is your adversary in a high-profile court battle. This is classic Cardinal Dolan, I am afraid. We're talking about a very prestigious event, chockablock with the crème de la crème of New York's media and social establishment. If you're in the "in" crowd, you're at this dinner. That is, if you care about being in the "in" crowd, you should show up. On the other hand, Obama is engaged in an unprecedented attack on the Church and religious liberty. So why the business as usual? Imagine the shock waves if Dolan rescinded the invitation! Back in the day, Dolan criticized Notre Dame for honoring Obama. Now...?
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