'Catholic Democrats' Statement on SCOTUS Ruling

'Catholic Democrats' issued the following thoughtful statement on the Supreme Court ruling yesterday.  More information on Catholic Democrats can be found on their website.  There is a link on the right side of this blog.  


Many are not going to like everything we have to say on today's Supreme Court decision overturning the restrictive Louisiana law requiring physicians to have admitting privileges in local hospitals.

We agree with Catholic Church's teaching that abortion is morally wrong. However, we support the 5-4 Supreme Court decision because we believe - as Aquinas asserted - pedagogical value of law should take into account cultural norms, society's willingness to accept the law & ability to enforce it.

Even President Obama, in his 2009 Notre Dame Commencement Address said, "Maybe we won’t agree on abortion, but we can still agree that this heart-wrenching decision for any woman is not made casually, it has both moral and spiritual dimensions.”

Although we think Aquinas would find legalized abortion on demand as anathema to the values of our faith, we also think he would undoubtedly recognize that society's support for Roe is strong and consistent. Additionally, studies show that restrictive abortion laws do not prevent the incidence of abortion. We do not believe this is going to change in our lifetime or the lifetimes of future generations.

Finally, we are mindful the nuanced opinions of American public are not represented by either political party who seek to push the debate to the margins. While 56% of Americans believe abortion is morally wrong only 8% believe that it should illegal in all circumstances. Thus, we believe that those who are "pro-life" should support policies that help pregnant women bring their pregnancies to term and to subsequently care for their families in both the short and long term, e.g. WIC, adoption programs, SNAP, income support & job training.

As President Obama said at Notre Dame, "So let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions, let’s reduce unintended pregnancies. Let’s make adoption more available...Let’s honor conscience of those who disagree with abortion and draft a sensible conscience clause...Those are things we can do."

Joe Biden's Statement on Immigrant Heritage Month

"America is, and must forever remain, a nation of immigrants. It is written in our DNA; it is reflected in our Constitution; it is emblazoned in the base of the Statue of Liberty — that “from her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.” Throughout the month of June, Jill and I are excited to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, a time for every American to pay tribute to the continuous, vital, and innumerable contributions that immigrants make to our nation.

Unless your ancestors were native to this land, or forcibly brought to these shores as part of our country’s original sin of slavery, the history of your family in America can be traced back to a courageous and optimistic choice: to leave behind everything familiar in search of a better life. Generation after generation, America is fortified anew by waves of immigrants — people of hope and drive who come from every part of the world to refuel our dynamism and broaden our national fabric.

Immigrants have always propelled and sustained our nation — lifting us to new heights economically and culturally, helping our communities and industries thrive, and furthering our essential spirit of innovation. This June, we are particularly mindful of the millions of immigrants combating COVID-19 on the front lines as doctors and nurses, delivery drivers and grocery clerks, researchers, small business owners, and in so many other capacities. As ever, immigrants are stepping up for all of us — even as they grapple with the pandemic at disproportionate levels due in part to unconscionable health and economic disparities that have been allowed to fester for too long.

Now more than ever, we must do more than simply celebrate the contributions and honor the sacrifices of immigrants. We must come together as a nation to eradicate the systemic racism that denies so many immigrant and minority families their fair shot at the American Dream. And we must reaffirm our unique strength and our foundational promise — that we are an immigrant nation by design and by desire. When we celebrate our immigrants, we celebrate America itself, and the most fundamental of American values. Jill and I will always fight to preserve those values and deliver dignity and respect to immigrants, so that this nation never ceases to “lift [her] lamp beside the golden door” for all who dream of being an American."

Trump Uses Catholic TV to Attack Catholic Church

Donald Trump did a strange thing.  Speaking on a Catholic TV program (albeit the conservative EWTN), he used to opportunity to side against the Pope and the Catholic Church.  Strange thing to use a Catholic forum to go after Catholicism.  

Asked about Joe Biden's support for the Catholic Church in her opposition to the death penalty and support for addressing climate change, he was asked for his view. The president began his reply by affirming "I am totally in favor of the death penalty for heinous crimes, that's the way it is."

Asked about disgraced Archbishop Carlo Viganò, who has attacked the Holy Father and demanded his resignation, Trump called the anti-papal activist a "great gentleman" and mentioned respect for him.

Trump also blasted the Catholic position on DACA, taking a strong anti-Catholic position of deporting these mostly Catholic adults who came to the USA as young children.  

Parts of the interview consisted of incoherent comments by Trump including at one point he seemed to imply he had made a transactional deal with the Catholic bishops over judicial appointments.  

Trump has long made anti-Catholic attacks on the Church and the Pope. 

Black Catholic Conservative Banned from Conservative Catholic Radio for Speaking of Racism.

As far as we know, Gloria Purvis is not a Catholic for Biden.  Gloria is a strongly pro-life Catholic.  She converted to Catholicism when she was 12 years old, after an experience at Eucharistic adoration in her Catholic school. She later called it a “mystical experience with the Eucharist...just coming to know it was real, that it was alive, and feeling like I was consumed with a fire all over my body, but it didn’t burn.”

She is a frequent speaker on pro-life and catechetical issues; she and her husband have been active in pro-life ministry and other parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington.  Purvis is a board member for the Northwest Pregnancy Center and Maternity Home in Washington, D.C. and an advisory board member on the Maryland Catholic Conference’s Respect for Life Office. She chairperson for Black Catholics United for Life, which seeks to increase the size and strength of active Black Catholics participating in the pro-life movement.

She also has a daily program called 'Morning Glory', produced by the conservative Catholic media entity EWTN, an operation not noted for any wild liberalism.

Her radio program has now been dropped by Guadalupe Radio Network, another conservative Catholic radio network that gets its programming from EWTN.  The reason is that Gloria talked about the sin of racism.

It is really a sad situation when speaking against racism gets a devoted Catholic banned from a so-called Catholic radio network.

University of Notre Dame Invites Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to Join its Faculty

Pete Buttigieg, former Democratic presidential candidate, has been named a 2020-2021 faculty fellow at one of the leading Catholic universities in the United States, the University of Notre Dame.  

The Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study (NDIAS) is a University-wide research institute that convenes an interdisciplinary group of faculty, graduate and undergraduate fellows each year to study questions that require a joint focus, benefit from sustained research and advance understanding of pressing issues that affect our ability to lead valuable, meaningful lives.

Buttigieg will work on two research projects at the NDIAS: one that explores how to restore trust in political institutions and another that considers the forces distinctively shaping the 2020s. 

As an NDIAS faculty fellow, Buttigieg will join the NDIAS fellows and students in weekly work-in-progress seminars and other academic programming. He will also engage the broader campus community by teaching an interdisciplinary undergraduate course on the importance of trust as understood through different fields. The seminar draws on literature, politics, economics and philosophy and students will have the opportunity to engage with other guest experts.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Pete to the institute and Notre Dame in the coming year. More than ever, we need scholars and public leaders working together, generating the insights that will make democratic institutions stronger and advance the common good in creative and evidence-based ways,” said Meghan Sullivan, director of the NDIAS and the John A. O’Brien Professor of Philosophy. “We are eager to support Pete as he pursues his ambitious research projects. He is a perfect fit for our world-class Nature of Trust cohort. We’re expecting some really exciting ideas from this group.”

A Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg mounted a 2020 Democratic presidential campaign that captured national attention and won the Iowa caucus. Prior to the campaign, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan.

“I am delighted to join this academic community to pursue research on one of the most salient issues of our time — the nature of trust. I look forward to engaging with faculty and students from various disciplines at a time in the life of our country that calls for deep and wide-ranging inquiry,” Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg is the latest major political figure to serve as a fellow or visiting lecturer at Notre Dame. Former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D) and former ObamaWhite House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough were on the Notre Dame faculty during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Books Says Trump Didn't Care About Catholic Repression in China

John Bolton has claimed in a new book that Donald Trump was resistant to sanctioning China for its religious repression, saying that China’s crackdown on the Catholic Church “didn’t register” with Trump.

Trump at moments have been verbally hostile to China but for the most part has been weak and accommodating to the Chinese Communist government.  He has praised Chinese dictator Xi and currently is pushing a give-a-way trade deal he negotiated with China.  Trump and his daughter have long had business interests in the brutal dictatorship.

Religious repression by the government of China has been an issue the unites conservative and liberal Catholics and other people of good will.  The State Department has well documented actions against the Catholic Church.

Catholic Hospital and Health Care Stand with WHO over Trump

CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCATION DEMANDS Trump Reconsider Decision to Withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States has blasted Donald Trump for his threat to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization.  She says that withdrawing from the organization during COVID-19 is counterproductive and only ensures that the U.S. will have little influence in efforts to address this worldwide pandemic.

In her letter to the White House and released to the press, Sister Mary noted that throughout the history of this country, Catholic health providers have been at the forefront responding to global pandemics. In response to COVID-19, Catholic health care has cared for some of the first patients impacted by the virus.

She further stated that:  "Thanks in part to global cooperation through the WHO, our nation and the world have been able to combat Ebola, smallpox, polio, rubella, measles, bird flu, HIV/AIDS and wide variety of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. The success of these efforts has not only saved lives around the world, but also saved millions of lives here in the United States." 

Trump Fading with White Protestants as Well

Politico reports that beyond his troubles with Catholics, Trump is also fading with white evangelical Protestants as well.  Trump's problems start with the fact that while most Americans know Joe Biden is Catholics, 63% of Americans don't see Trump as particularly religious. 

Trump campaign operatives fear even a small decline for him with white evangelicals could deal a fatal blow to his re-election chances, as these voters are needed to compensate for declining support elsewhere.  Trump has suffered a double digit decline in Catholic support and the campaign's promised "Catholics for Trump" initiative has yet to get off the ground after two promised launchings have been cancelled. 

Read the story here: Trump Allies See Biden Winning Christian Support

Trump Calls the Cops on Praying Catholic School Teacher

Sheila Buck, a devoted Catholic school teacher, was attending the Trump rally in Tulsa, OK, with her ticket in hand.  The Trump campaign called the cops on her and had her forcibly removed from the rally site.  Ms. Buck was unarmed -- she didn't even have her Catholic schoolteacher ruler.  Police did not dispute she had a valid ticket for the event but told her they had been ordered to have her removed by the Trump campaign. Ms. Buck's sin it seems is that she was wearing a T-shirt with "I Can't Breathe" written on it.  

Prior to her arrest, Ms. Buck was quiet, orderly and in prayer.  Given that the Tulsa Auditorium was half empty for Trump's speech, there was plenty of room to admit Ms. Buck with her valid ticket.

Videotape confirms the facts of the situation.  It shows Buck sitting on the ground and praying while two Tulsa Police Department officers stood by, along with a Trump campaign official. Buck told them, “This is my country. This is my country. This is my city. I have tickets for this event. I have clothes on. I’m protected. What’s the problem?” Buck was wearing a black scarf wrapped around her head to cover her mouth and nose.  

The Trump campaign goon responded, “This is a private event.”  “I have tickets to your private event,” Buck said. “I’ve been invited and have a ticket."  “Yeah, well, my job with the campaign is to officially uninvite you,” the campaign goon answered her.

Ms. Buck is a respected citizen of the City of Tulsa and teaches at St. Mary's Catholic School.  

COVID-19 costs Trump support among Catholics

Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ writes that  Trump's bad handling of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to working against him with Catholics, weakening support among a group known for almost always voting for the winner in presidential elections.

Catholics were so evenly split between the two candidates in 2016 that it’s a matter of dispute whether Hillary Clinton or Trump can claim to have taken the Catholic vote that year.

Fr. Reese notes that on every characteristic a Pew opinion survey measured, white Catholics have a less positive view of Trump than do white evangelical Protestants: self-centered (white Catholics 83%, white evangelicals 70%), prejudiced (51%, 35%), intelligent (68%, 83%), fights for what I believe in (66%, 81%), honest (51%, 69%), morally upstanding (48%, 61%) and even-tempered (37%, 49%).

He further states that among the issues Catholics disagree with Protestants is that Catholicism does not preach a “prosperity gospel,” which is central to Trump’s political theology, whereas for many evangelical churches this is a core message.

The full story is here:  https://religionnews.com/2020/06/16/covid-19-costs-president-trump-support-among-catholics/?fbclid=IwAR0OhEj-LNY0-uVqX_05KRLR0TRUim8KWnSpHExA0tw1a3QLEgzZlHubNgM

Sister Simone Takes on 'Catholics for Trump'

A Faithful Response to “Catholics for Trump”

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS

After postponing the “Catholics for Trump” rally previously scheduled for March in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Catholics for Trump coalition is now launching online. Despite the current coronavirus pandemic, President Trump’s re-election campaign is continuing to try to engage Catholics remotely.

This campaign was planned and is now being executed with the assumption that a large group of Catholics will support President Trump’s re-election campaign. I am in favor of Catholics participating in politics — as Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby, that much is clear. Even the Pope calls on Catholics to participate in politics to promote the common good, saying “A good Catholic meddles in politics.”

But I cannot understand how Catholics, following Pope Francis’s urging to participate in politics, could support our current President and his policies. In fact, I believe that participating in “Catholics for Trump” activities, online or in person, directly contradicts the most essential Catholic beliefs.

Catholics are called to follow the life and teachings of Jesus, who above all else, instructs us to love our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalized in their society. The Trump administration has turned its back on that call at almost every turn.

In March, I was relieved to read Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki’s clear announcement that the “Catholics for Trump” rally was not hosted by the Catholic Church or the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee were not endorsing or affiliated with the rally. As President Trump’s re-election campaign continues, I urge any Church leaders who find themselves in a similar situation to do the same.

In addition to making it clear that the Church does not endorse or support these events, Catholic leaders should continue to make it clear what “side” we are called to be on in these turbulent times. Jesus did not say to vote Democrat or Republican. Instead, Jesus taught his followers, by his actions, to heal those who were sick and align themselves with those who had the least power. That is the “side” we should be on as Catholics.

For Catholics engaging in politics during this election season, I encourage you to join us at NETWORK in being “Mend the Gaps” voters. We have an election toolkit that includes a fill-out-your-own side by side to compare candidates, an LTE writing kit, and questions to ask a candidate at a town hall, and we’re still adding more resources.

President Trump is running on policies that directly contradict long-held positions of the Catholic Church. His immoral immigration policies throw children in cages. He works to expand the death penalty, he participates in what Pope Francis calls “covert euthanasia” by stripping health care and nutrition assistance from families, and he rolls back policies that protect the Earth. His is not a campaign that Catholics can support, and our faith should not be used as a political tool to reelect an immoral President.

 Get involved: Go to NETWORK’s 2020 Election Toolkit.

Biden, Catholic Church Celebrate DACA Decision. Trump Fumes.

Archbishop Gomez

USCCB President and Migration Committee Welcome Supreme Court Decision on DACA and Urge President to Uphold the Program

June 18, 2020

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion preventing the Trump Administration from terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On November 12, 2019, the Court heard the challenge to the Trump Administration’s DACA repeal efforts, in which U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of maintaining the program. The DACA program was implemented in 2012 and has enabled approximately 800,000 young people, who paid a fee and submitted to a background check, the opportunity to work legally, access educational opportunities and not fear deportation. DACA recipients on average contribute over $42 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the USCCB’ Committee on Migration issued the following statement:

“We welcome the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision noting that the Trump Administration did not follow proper administrative procedures required to repeal the DACA program.

“First, to DACA youth, through today’s decision and beyond, we will continue to accompany you and your families. You are a vital part of our Church and our community of faith. We are with you.

“Next, we urge the President to strongly reconsider terminating DACA. Immigrant communities are really hurting now amidst COVID-19 and moving forward with this action needlessly places many families into further anxiety and chaos. In times of uncertainty, let us remember the teachings of the Gospel which encourage us to be open and receptive to those in need: ‘If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?’ (1 John 3:17). In this moment, we must show compassion and mercy for the vulnerable.”

“Lastly, we strongly encourage our U.S. Senators to immediately pass legislation that provides a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Permanent legislative protection that overcomes partisanship and puts the human dignity and future of Dreamers first is long overdue.”

For more information and resources on DACA see https://justiceforimmigrants.org/what-we-are-working-on/immigration/daca-resource-page.

K of C Face Backlash

A Catholic Sister Protests Trump's Political Stunt at the K of C

Fr. Peter Daly, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, has joined the chorus of others resigning or distancing themselves from the Knights of Columbus.  Please read the whole article, as Father Daly has a lot to say.  But here is the kicker part:

In my opinion, the Knights of Columbus is no longer the small mutual aid society and fraternity founded by Fr. Michael McGivney in the 19th century. It is now a big, rich corporation that seeks to be a political player in the American scene. Its nearly 2 million members, the vast majority of whom never go to a meeting, give it clout. It is principally an insurance company, which underwrites $105 billion in policies, has $22 billion in assets. Money and membership that give it power.

The Supreme Council are extremely well paid. [Supreme Knight Carl] Anderson was paid more than $2 million in 2014. His annual base salary is around $900,000.  [Anderson is a right political operative who once worked for a segregationist senator].  

https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/priestly-diary/im-done-knights-columbus?fbclid=IwAR2MvbyOJ90HyB4kpIglX0pYVW5B6ZAFi29sgR5zfqsn_b_xRQ7IxOONzzs

Gorsuch Writes Opinion on Major Supreme Court Case

Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch

Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion in an important Supreme Court decision today regarding employment discrimination against LGBT workers.  Gorsuch and the Majority ruled in favor of LGBT rights. 

The case was an interesting legal one and readers here can find ample information elsewhere as to the details and arguments.  The issue to be raised here is that we were told by social conservative organizations that Catholics must support Gorsuch's nomination and must support Trump because of social conservative issues.  The whole "pro-life" Establishment lined up behind Gorsuch.

The lesson here is that no one knows how a judge may rule and no one can tell another person they must support a judge's nomination or the nominator of judges because of a position they are predicted to take.  It is a matter for each Catholic's private judgment.  I expect we will return to this topic later in the year. 

For the Soul of America

We are in a battle for the soul of America.

It’s time to remember who we are. We’re Americans: tough and resilient. We choose hope over fear. Science over fiction. Truth over lies. And unity over division. We treat each other with dignity, we leave nobody behind, and we give hate no safe harbor.

We are the United States of America. And together, there is not a single thing we cannot do.

joebiden.com

Pro-Trump Group Banned from Calling Itself 'Catholic'

Archbishop Vigneron of Detroit

"Church Militant", the pro-Trump, right-wing group has been denounced by the Archbishop of Detroit and forbidden from calling itself 'Catholic.'   Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron is generally considered a conservative in politics, temperament and theology.  'Church Militant is headquartered in the Archdiocese.  

The offending action was a video produced and released by the right wing group making racist and other derogatory attacks on Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory, calling him a "Marxist" and the "African Queen."  

Michael Voris, the founder of Church Militant, repeatedly refers to Gregory as “the African Queen” throughout the video. 

The Archbishop released a statement condemning the video saying “Racist and derogatory speech wrongfully diminishes the God-given dignity of others.  It is not in accord with the teachings of Christ. As our nation continues its important conversation on racism, it is my hope that the faithful will turn from this and all other acts or attitudes which deny the inherent dignity shared by all people.”

The archdiocese issued an additional statement late Friday evening calling out Church Militant by name.

"The Archdiocese of Detroit unequivocally condemns the offensive language used in reference to Archbishop Gregory and advises the faithful that Church Militant is not affiliated with, endorsed, or recommended by the Archdiocese of Detroit," the statement read.

Church Militant was reprimanded by the archdiocese in 2011 when it was told to change its name from "Real Catholic TV" because it "lacked the authorization required under Church law to identify or promote itself as Catholic."

Republicans Attack Joe Biden for Kneeling in Prayer to God

While it may be unfamiliar to the entire Trump family, Catholics are accustomed to kneel while in prayer to Almighty God.  To have our form of prayer mocked is anti-Catholicism.

Joe Biden is a man of prayer and recently he knelt in a church to pray for the soul of George Floyd and for racial justice in America.  Now the Trump campaign has immorally used the image of Joe Biden in prayer as part of an attack ad paid for by the Trump campaign.  

Last week White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, declared that Trump was “very much against kneeling in general.” She likely intended to say that he’s opposed in general to taking a knee to protest racism and police brutality during the national anthem at sports events. But the blanket condemnation of kneeling triggered a wave of criticism from those who kneel during religious services, at memorials or to pray at gravesites. She may have the same unfamiliarity with Christian prayer as Trump might.

The Trump campaign ad released Wednesday includes an image of Biden as he kneels, superimposed over violent protest scenes. There is no context provided in the Trump ad nor a hint that Biden was at church when he knelt.
A narrator intones in the ad: “Antifa destroys our communities. Rioting. Looting. Yet Joe Biden kneels down.”
So the Trump campaign is associating kneeling in prayer at church with rioting and looting. Every Christian should be offended at this ad.

Trump Allies Himself with Disgraced Prelate Who Attacked Pope

Trump send out a tweet that he was "honored" to have received an "incredible" letter from disgraced Archbishop Carlo M. Vigano.  The unemployed Archbishop published an  open letter on  a right-wing website spouting deranged conspriracy theories almost as extreme as Trump. Vigano is a strident critic of Pope Francis, who he has called on to resign.  Vigano himself was removed from his last assignment as Nuncio to the United States and not given any further duties by the Catholic Church.  His physical location in unknown.  

Vigano has been a part of a long list of scandals and crack-pot actions.  He was accused of covering up allegations of sexual misconduct against Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, who was later fired as Archbishop of St. Paul in Minnesota.  An Italian Court forced him to repay over  €1.8 million that he had swindled from his own brother, also a priest. While robbing his own brother, Vigano was also collecting loot from West Virginia bishop Michael J. Bransfield, who later resigned following allegations of sexual and financial misconduct. 


Maybe his most infamous act was sneaking in Kim Davis to meet the Pope on his American pilgrimage.  Davis is a Kentucky Unitarian with an animus towards gay people. She used her civil position to deny marriage licenses to gay couples.  According to Pope Francis  "I didn't know who that woman was, and he snuck her in to say hello to me — and of course they made a whole publicity out of it."

But with all of Vigano's scandals, the idea of an American President openly identifying with a prelate on a campaign to get rid of the Pope is further indication of Trump's unworthiness for office and hostility to the Catholic Church.  

Vice-President Biden Speaks by Video at Church Service for George Floyd

Transcript of Vice President Joe Biden’s Video Message for George Floyd’s Funeral in Houston, Texas

Hello, everyone, on this day of prayer, where we try to understand God’s plan in our pain.

To George’s family and friends — Jill and I know the deep hole in your hearts when you bury a piece of your soul deep in this Earth.

As I’ve said to you privately — we know. We know you will never feel the same.

For most people, the numbness you feel now will slowly turn, day after day, season after season, into purpose through the memory of the one they lost.

But for you, that day has come before you can fully grieve. And unlike most, you must grieve in public. And, it’s a burden. A burden that is now your purpose —to change the world for the better in the name of George Floyd.

Like so many others, I’ve watched with awe as you summon the absolute courage to channel God’s grace and show the good man George was. To stir justice too long dormant and to move millions to act peacefully and purposefully.

But among all the people around the world who feel connected to this tragedy, are the ones who lost something that can never, ever be replaced.

To George’s children and grandchild, I know you miss you, Dad and Granddad.

Little Gianna — as I said to you when I saw you yesterday, you are so brave. Daddy is looking down and he is so proud of you. And I know you miss that bear hug that only he could give. That pure joy riding on his shoulders so you could touch the sky. The countless hours he spent playing any game you wanted because of your smile, your laugh, your love is the only thing that mattered in at the moment.

And I know you have a lot of questions that no child should have to ask, questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations.

Why? Why is Daddy gone?

In looking through your eyes, we should all be asking ourselves why the answer is often too cruel and painful.

Why, in this nation, do too many black Americans — wake up knowing they could lose their life — in the course of living their life?

Why does justice not roll like a river nor righteousness like a mighty stream? Why?

Yet, ladies and gentlemen — we cannot turn away. We must not turn away. We cannot leave this moment thinking we can once again turn away from racism that stings at our very soul and from systemic abuse that still plagues American life.

As Thurgood Marshall once implored, “America must dissent from indifference … we must dissent from fear, the hatred, and the mistrust … we must dissent because America can do better … because America has no choice but to do better.”

I grew up with Catholic Social Doctrine which taught me that faith without works is dead and you will know us by what we do.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ve got to deal with the denial of the promise of this nation to so many people for so long. This is about who we are, what we believe, and maybe most important, who we want to be. To ensure that all men and women are not only created equal but treated equally.

We can heal this nation’s wounds and remember its pain, not callous the heart and forget.

I know Reverend Sharpton is there in Houston with you today. Rev — I watched you speak from Ecclesiastes last week in Minnesota, Chapter 3, Verse 1, to everything there is a time and a purpose and a season under the heavens.

Today, now is the time, the purpose, the season to listen and heal. Now is the time for racial justice. That’s the answer we must give to our children when they ask why. Because when there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America.

And then, as you said, Gianna, your Daddy will have “changed the world.”

May God be with you, George Floyd, and your family.

And in the words from a hymn in my church based on the 91st Psalm, may He raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

God bless you all. God bless you all.

###

Trump Makes False Accusations Against Elderly Catholic Activist

During a protest, two Buffalo police officers were captured on video knocking down Martin Gugino a 75-year-old member of the Buffalo Catholic Worker.  

Martin was seen lying on the ground, blood pouring out of his ear after his head hit the concrete.  He was later taken to the hospital. The officers involved were ultimately fired, and a local prosecutor charged them over the weekend with felony assault.

This morning, Trump used his Twitter to lie about this elderly, Catholic, non-violent and still hospitalized man.

Trump falsely claimed that this member of the non-violent Catholic Worker movement could be 'Antifa'.  He also voiced several false assertions that come from a former writer for Putin's propaganda outfits.  

Trump's false claims come from Kristian Rouz, currently with the right-wing OAN and whose prior media employment was with Sputnik News — an outlet funded by the Kremlin.  The Daily Beast reported last year that Rouz was working for both outlets simultaneously.

Please pray for the full recovery of Martin Gugino and for the non-violent social justice work of the Buffalo Catholic Worker.  

Vice President Biden responded with his own, much more decent, Tweet:

Joe Biden's Vision for the Catholic Community - Part 5: Care for Creation

Serve as stewards of our creation and protect our planet against climate change: 

In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis directed the global community to raise awareness about the growing climate change crisis. Climate change threatens communities across the country, from beachfront coastal towns to rural farms in the heartland. Joe’s plan will tackle climate change and pollution to protect our communities. He will ensure that communities harmed by climate change and pollution, particularly communities of color and low-income communities, are the first to benefit from his clean economy revolution. He will push the United States to achieve a 100 percent clean energy economy and reaches net zero emissions no later than 2050. Joe’s plan will create 10 million good-paying jobs in the United States, hold polluters accountable, and push other countries to go further on their climate action commitments. He will work to ensure that every American has access to clean drinking water, clean air, and an environment free from pollutants. And, every dollar spent towards rebuilding infrastructure will be used to prevent, reduce, and withstand a changing climate.

Catholic Opposition to Trump Skyrockets!

After a brief boost of rallying around the President at the beginning of the pandemic, Catholic support for Trump has plummeted while opposition has skyrocketed.  A new poll show him will reduced but still strong support among White Evangelical Protestants and static support among white mainline Protestants and secular voters, his support among Catholics has nosedived.  Non-white Catholics remain overwhelmingly opposed to Trump.  

The poll, by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), favorability rating among white Catholics has dropped almost by half since March, according to a new poll.

The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) reported on Thursday that President Trump’s favorability among white Catholics fell from 60% in March to 48% in April to just 37% in May.  In a polls by the right-wing EWTN, even they reported that Trump’s approval rating among Catholics overall was at less than half, in part due to overwhelmingly negative reviews by Hispanic Catholics who disapproved of him 71% to 29%.

Archdiocese of Washington Announces Convocation Against Racism for Monday at Lafayette Park

At the direction of the Archbishop, the Archdiocese of Washington will hold a Convocation on Monday, June 8th in Lafayette Park, across from the White House.  The purpose of the Catholic Convocation is to pray to end racism and for the repose of the soul of George Floyd.

ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Please join the Catholic faithful in a public witness to pray for the soul of George Floyd and the soul of America. Join local Catholic bishops, clergy and lay faithful as we pray and move with Christian solidarity to lift our country up in prayer. Let us gather to rededicate ourselves to the defense of all life and recommit ourselves to an anti-racism agenda.

Our mission: to pray for a change of heart, an end to hatred and institutional discrimination of all kinds.

The plans for the protest are as follows: we will assemble at Lafayette Park beginning from 11:00 am on Monday June 8. At exactly noon, we will begin with prayer and move in prayer toward the White House.

Things you may need:
·        Clergy and Religious, please wear cassock, habit, or black clerical shirt.
·        Do not forget to grab a bottle of water and a hat/cap.
·        You are welcome to bring appropriate signs /posters.
·        Remember that social distancing may be difficult, so do not forget your mask.
·        The best way to travel to the park is by using Metro and getting off at the McPherson Square Station. If you drive, please note that parking is limited in some areas of downtown Washington at this time.

Father Cornelius Ejiogu, SSJ, Pastor of Saint Luke Parish, is coordinating this effort. Should you have questions, Fr. Cornelius can be reached at ejioguc@adw.org

DC Knights of Columbus Council Denounces Trump Stunt at DC Shrine

A local Knights of Columbus Council in Washington, DC split with the national organization and denounced Trump's visit to the KC's conference center and John Paul II shrine.  Grand Knight Anthony H. Bigesby of St. Augustine Council #15723 said "We were not notified that the President will be over at the JPII shrine. The only time I found out about it is when I saw Archbishop Gregory's statement. I'm in full support of Archbishop Gregory." Archbishop Wilton Gregory issued a strong statement against the visit. 

Dr. Edward Anthony Rankin, another member of the Knights of Columbus in Washington, DC, said he was disappointed with the national organization.  Recalling Trump's record of racism against black men, he said, "A few years ago President Trump referred to Colin Kaepernick in a derogatory term for peacefully protesting. I can't speak of what right he had to go there, but to use it [the shrine] as a backdrop is not something I condone."

In addition to the diocesan bishop and many other Catholic bishops and leaders, the KC's are now facing internal dissent over this action.