On the heels of a widely denounced publicity stunt in front of an Episcopalian church in which Trump ordered law enforcement officers to kick Episcopalian clergy off the porch of their own parish church so he could stand in front of it for news cameras, Trump played the same game today at a Catholic site. Likely facing the refusal of any Catholic church in Washington, DC allowing him to use their property, Trump brought his motorcade to the John Paul II Center, which is owned by a private lay organization outside of Church control. Catholic response was quick and negative.
Among Catholic leaders appalled by the Trump stunt are Bishop John E. Stone of Lexington (KY) and Dr. Patricia McGuire, President of Trinity College, nearby the Center. Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, accused the president of having "no clue about the teaching of Pope John Paul II or of our Catholic faith. He refusal to acknowledge the racism and police violence that started this and has been rife in our nation, that he exacerbates show he has no evidence of insight or remorse. This is crass politics at its worst. It's ignoring the reality of our nation. This is not about religious liberty. This is about human life, human dignity and police violence."
But most profound was the powerful statement by the Archbishop of Washington, Wilton Gregory. The full text is as follows:
"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree. Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace."
----Most Rev. Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington
No comments:
Post a Comment