Running Off At The Keyboard

PAPAL DOUBLE STANDARDS

The message coming out of the Vatican is once again contradictory. No wonder prominent Catholics go around preaching and promoting heresy. No wonder politicians believe they can be both a good Catholic and a pro-choice politician when the actions of the Pope confirm that practice.

Yes, I know. The Pope is pro-life, or so he says; but what does he do? Ratzinger said we could not vote for a pro-choice politician. But it appears that the Pope can vote for one and so can Cardinal Sodano. Or at least they can knight one.

I do not understand. I really do not. But I do object. Strenuously. Here's what I'm talking about.

Here is a website which contains the remarks by Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of the Government of St. Lucia, Senator, The Hon. Mr. Julian R. Hunte, OBE, on the occasion of the awarding of the Knight of the Grand Cross Pian Order, conferred by Holiness the Pope John Paul II, with a presentation by His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Sodano. You can read it for yourself right here. It says in part:

I am, today, deeply honoured to accept the award of Knight of the Grand Cross Pian Order, which his Holiness the Pope John Paul II has so graciously conferred on me. I offer my grateful thanks to His Holiness for this honour, a most treasured tribute not only to me, but also to the collective efforts and accomplishments of the Fifty-eighth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, for which I was privileged to serve as President.

Nicole Mc Donald, of The Star had a question for Senator Hunte before he received the award:

“How do you feel about plans to sabotage your receiving Pope John Paul II’s Knight of the Grand Cross Pian Order this coming Sunday?”

The article goes on to explain by quoting a letter from Human Life St. Lucia President Caroline Flood-Edgar:

“We, as believing and practicing Catholics, are very disturbed and scandalized at the fact that an individual who was pivotal and instrumental in the successful passing of the St Lucia Criminal Code, which legalized abortion in St Lucia is now receiving a significant honor from the Catholic church,” states Edgar. “Even worse this commendation comes within seven months of him publicly and unapologetically supporting and voting for a law that negates divine precepts and the natural law, denies the fundamental right to life of the unborn child and ignores the teachings of our Church as expressed in Evangelium Vitae. Even worse, Holy Father, it is issued in your name and presumably with your approval.” Edgar went on to say that the Knighthood of Mr Hunte was sending a terrible and disconsolate message to St Lucia’s faithful Catholics.

John Allen reports that the Knighthood was awarded September 19. He goes on to quote Senator Hunte statements to the upper chamber of the Santa Lucian Parliament:

"I think every woman must have a choice. I am a pro-choice man," Hunte said during a parliamentary debate before votes were cast.

"A woman must be the one who will decide what she wants to do in any given situation. I respect the views of those who feel it is wrong. This is their right. I will give them that right, as I will give the woman the right to determine how she wishes to treat her life," he said at the time.

This represents a double standard, and those who have promoted it are wolves in sheep's fleece. While Cardinal Ratzinger tells us we may not vote for a pro-choice politician, the Pope knights one. Ostpolitik will not excuse this blatant defiance of the teachings of the Church done at the highest level. You can't have it both ways, even if you are Pope. You can't say one thing and do another and still command authority and respect. Politics do not trump morality.

Allen continues:

Fr. Linus Clovis, for example, was appalled, according to the Herald.

"It makes a mockery of what we stand for and it compromises us because now the public perception on abortion will be: 'What are you complaining about? The Vatican does not see anything wrong with it.' "

Clovis has appealed to the pope to overturn the decision.

Allen goes on from there to spin the betrayal in a positive light that is unconvincing. A double standard by any other name is still cooperation with evil. And this by the man who represents Christ on earth.

Holy Father, don't speak to us about a culture of death when your own actions foster it. This decision is morally bankrupt. May God have mercy on your soul.

ANOTHER GUILTY CITY SEAL

has its cross removed by the ACLU. Holes, magic marker blobs, and masking tape are so much more attractive, don't you think?

Heady with success, the ACLU moved on to the seal of Los Angeles County. The goddess gets to stay, though.

Democracy has finally become a government of minority rule as it was always meant to be. Right?

Blogger credit to Spirit Daily.

A NAGGING OBSERVATION

I've been thinking about it for a while, and it still wants to be blogged, so here goes...

We have an EM at my parish--wife of a man who is also an EM. They usually serve together at the Mass I attend most often.

During the entrance procession, the man folds his hands, as do the other ministers in the procession. The wife walks in with hands swinging at her sides.

When the EMs go up to the altar and receive, the man bows before receiving, as we've been instructed to do. The wife never bows.

Now I want to believe that its merely carelessness on her part that she doesn't observe the conventions; but what keeps nagging at me is that she gives the impression that she no longer believes in Real Presence.

Am I out in left field with this?

ANTI-SEMITISM - GOD FORBID !
ANTI-CATHOLICISM - SURE, WHY NOT ?

Mark Shea has a post up about this News Release from Catholic League in which William Donohue objects to the critics:

The Mel Gibson movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” has been available on DVD for less than three weeks and already it has sold 9 million copies, breaking all previous records. But not everyone is happy: noting its DVD/VHS release, about 100 theologians have now signed a statement condemning the film for being anti-Semitic.

Here is just a sample of Donohue's scathing commentary:

“The arrogance of the theologians who hate this movie is unsurpassed. Consider the comment, ‘we also acknowledge that many who see the film are honestly unaware of its anti-Jewish elements.’ Read: many who like the movie are just too dumb to pick up on its bigoted elements. But fear not, to the rescue come the learned ones.

You can read the statement he refers to at this link. Scroll down to see the list of 121 signatures.

In reading through the list, I noted that the signers came from all over the world and numerous colleges and institutes. There was a small consistency, however. Boston University was responsible for nine signatures. Boston College contributed four. Harvard Divinity School contributed six. Among those six is Professor Karen L. King.

While Professor King is objecting to the anti-Semitism in Gibson's portrayal of the Crucifixion of which the Pope theoretically said "It is as it was," she is offering her own brand of Christianity for mass consumption. Check out this article from Beliefnet which she authored. Nice, huh? Whatever, we mustn't offend the Jews by telling our faith story. But so what if the Catholics are offended by Dan Brown Christianity. Anti-Catholicism doesn't matter a frig.

Another signer of the statement who also teaches at Harvard Divinity School is Harvey Cox who has an article on the Beliefnet website lauding Peter Jennings program on the beliefs of the Jesus Seminar.

Bishop Krister Stendahl, another signer from Harvard, offers his own comments on the movie at the Philocrites website. He sums up his commentary with this statement:

Speaking of the attraction of the movie's approach, Stendahl said, "It feeds the hunger for simplicity and uncomplicated answers. It's a kind of power-grab. In response, we need to keep teaching and speaking and educating toward a capacity of living in a non-absolute world. Do not settle for this, which is really the Gospel for suckers."

FALLEN ORDER

A new book by Karen Liebreich, documents the abolition of the Piarist Order by Pope Innocent X due sexual abuse.

SANTIFICARNOS

Robert Duncan has his new blog format up and running. In the last month he has taken a crash course in website design and bloghosting, at least if this post is any indication.

Looks like he has an interesting cyber pressroom in the making.

So, can anyone point me to a weblog dictionary? I haven't the foggiest notion what he's talking about.

THIS CONSPIRACY SEEMS TO BE REAL

The story is linked at Crux News, and comes from the UK Mirror. Title, "Robert Maxwell Was a Mossad Spy."

OPUS DEI IN INDIA

is gaining favor and setting off a round of jealousy among the Jesuits.

IT'S ALL IN THE TRANSLATION

It has frequently happened that I've read something the Pope has said that sounded less than Catholic. A particular problem that often surfaces is that he seems to substitute something else for God, seeming to put man or creation at the center of our orientation.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. Agenzia Giornalistica Italia reports:

Several bishops want, through liturgy, study and work, that christian life be fully devoted to god, mankind and creation".

Seems to put all three on a level playing field. Not Catholic. So I went to the Zenit report to see if the same problem would exist there. No, it doesn't. Zenit reports that the Pope put God in His proper place, and man in his.

John Paul II encouraged Benedictine communities to offer their testimony of life, which puts God at the center. ...

"Many bishops ask to have these vital realms for encountering Our Lord in their dioceses," the Holy Father said. "Through the liturgy, study and work, may you always be an example of Christian life, fully oriented towards God, respectful of man and creation."

John Paul II's counsel to the Benedictines was that they keep present the words of the Rule of St. Benedict: "Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ."

All solidly Roman Catholic statements. How often does the Pope appear to be teaching heresy when the problem lies not with his words but with the mistranslation of them?

Contrast as well, the report on his words about interreligious dialogue. Zenit reports:

The Pontiff encouraged the Benedictines' contacts with their counterparts of other religions, and said they were "significant relations which can prove themselves fruitful."

The Pope also encouraged them to promote dialogue with Christians of other confessions, in particular those of Eastern Europe.

"Monasticism is a natural platform for mutual understanding," he said. "This is extremely important at this moment in history for Europe to preserve its Christian roots."

But this is how AGI translates it:

Pope John Paul II asks the Catholic church and the religious people to pursue talks with other religions. "I am aware - he told this morning the Benedictine abbots this morning - you are in touch with monks of other religions. It is righteous, they can be fruitful". "I ask you to pursue these ecumenical talks with our brothers and sisters of eastern Europe. ...


Once again the AGI translation seems to place monks of all religions on a level playing field which is not Catholic.

MORE GOOD NEWS

They are an SSPX school, but they have made a decision that defends the role of women in the world that I would hope any Roman Catholic school would also make.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A private Catholic high school will record a forfeit after refusing to play football against a public school with a girl on its roster.

But because St. Mary's Academy in northeast Kansas is not a member of the state high school activities association, it cannot be punished more severely than by awarding a 2-0 forfeit to White City High School.

The two teams were scheduled to play an eight-man game Friday night at St. Mary's campus, in the town of St. Marys. But White City principal Sid Tanner said Thursday that when coach Bobby Rehse called St. Mary's to make sure freshman guard Kara Dowell would have her own dressing room, officials at the private school said St. Mary's would not play against a girl.

Two thumbs up, St. Mary's. You deserve a Salt and Light Award!

SCHINDLER FAMILY RESPONDS TO THE FLORIDA COURT RULING

A reader sent in this link.

For years now lawyers and judges – all of them total strangers – have besieged our family stating in courtrooms and the media that our severely disabled daughter, Terri, must be starved to death. We have been told that she must die in order to protect her right of privacy. And now the Florida Supreme Court tells us that a law crafted to save Terri’s life is unconstitutional when it is applied to her. None of this makes any sense to us.

Go to the website to read the rest of the statement.

FR. JOHN ECHERT'S COMMENTS ON THE FATIMA (INTERFAITH?) SHRINE

from the EWTN website:

I am opposed to any inter-religious or ecumenical efforts which fail to operate under the explicit and manifest principles that salvation is possible only through Jesus Christ and within the Catholic Church. There can be no compromise on these absolute truths of the Faith, and there is no room for dialogue on any alternative. We do others a great disservice, which further puts at risk their own salvation, if we affirm them in the errors of false religions.

IF THE ARTICLE IS ACCURATE and the intention is to turn Fatima into an inter-religious "centre where all the religions of the world will gather to pay homage to their various gods," then I condemn such a project as contrary to Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the whole spiritual message of Our Lady of Fatima, who called instead for the conversion of sinners and the consecration of Russia, not the honor of false gods and the promotion of false religions.

Allow me to quote from the great encyclical of Pope Pius XI, “Mortalium Animos” (On Religious Unity), which bears upon this topic:

He goes on to quote points 2 and 10 from the encyclical at the website.

GOD IN THE PLEDGE

(CNSNews.com) - In a vote of 247 to 173, the House Thursday passed a bill that would prevent all courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, from ruling on whether the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance case violate the Constitution.

The Pledge Protection Act, H.R. 2028, was sponsored by Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.).

Religious watchdog group Americans United for Separation of Church and State was disappointed with the news, having urged lawmakers earlier to defeat the bill and calling the measure "extreme and unwise."

"This bill is a dramatic assault on the courts and individual rights, wrapped in phony patriotism," said Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director. "This is election-year grandstanding at its worst."

"The supporters of this bill have shown callous disregard for long-standing constitutional principles," Lynn added. "The federal courts should be open to all Americans seeking protection of their constitutional rights."

Lynn expressed confidence that the Senate, which is next in line to consider the measure, will "bury this bill, as it so richly deserves."

MUST HAVE BEEN REALLY NASTY

since it's been pulled even before it was aired. And in England, no less.

LONDON Sept. 23, 2004 — The British Broadcasting Corp. has scrapped a cartoon featuring Pope John Paul II on a pogo stick, following a wave of protests by Roman Catholics.

"Popetown," featuring the voices of comedienne Ruby Wax as the pontiff and model Jerry Hall as a fame-hungry nun, was commissioned for the digital channel BBC3. The animation featured corrupt cardinals and an infantile pope who bounced around the Vatican on a pogo stick.

BBC chiefs said Thursday it was too offensive to broadcast.

What would be funny about a pope on a pogo?

HURRICANE IVAN - PICTURES OF DESTRUCTION

NOAA News Online - Click photo to enlarge.

NOAA Weather Site - Satellite Images of Jeanne and Karl

TERRI'S LAW OVERTURNED

Dom has blogged the story from Catholic World News.

There is a discussion at Amy's blog as well.

YES! SOME GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE

THE Scottish Catholic Church has called for an immediate review of all sex education in Scottish schools and branded much of the teaching material now in use as "pornographic".

After examining teaching aids recommended for use in primary and secondary schools, obtained by the Evening News, the Church has called for a comprehensive review of what children are being taught in the classroom about sex.

Books and videos which are on recommended teaching lists for primary schools show images of sexual organs and couples having sex, feature videos of real childbirth, and include such topics as the clitoris.

The decisions on which of these teaching materials to use is up to individual headteachers.

John Deighan, the Church’s parliamentary officer, branded some of the material pornographic and said the content and context of most of it was unsuitable for the age group for which it was intended, lacking in any social or moral context, and unnecessary for the classroom.

The assessment comes a month after Scotland’s most senior Catholic, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, clashed with the Scottish Executive over its plans for sex education, accusing it of intending to give the lessons to children as young as three.

Blogger credit to Crux News

DID CBS ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE BUSH'S RE-ELECTION ?

Commentary at AmericanDaily suggests the answer may be yes:

By its own admission, in an interview airing on the CBS Evening News on Monday night, CBS News pressured an anti-Bush partisan activist and Kerry supporter, Texas Democrat Bill Burkett, to produce the source of the fake documents used against Bush. Burkett has been hospitalized for mental problems. This was the “unimpeachable source” cited by CBS. And he continues to deny that he was the ultimate source of the documents!

The latest revelation is that, as part of a deal with Burkett, just days before the CBS story aired, CBS producer Mary Mapes arranged for him to talk to Joe Lockhart, a senior adviser to John Kerry. Burkett also contacted Kerry adviser Max Cleland with his “information.”

The circumstances and timing surrounding the airing of the 60 Minutes II show are certainly curious. On September 7, one day before the CBS story aired, Texans for Truth, a so-called 527 group funded by billionaire leftist George Soros through MoveOn.org, released a TV ad accusing Bush of evading his National Guard service. One day later, on September 8, Rather and CBS’s 60 Minutes did their program based on the bogus National Guard documents. That’s also when Rather interviewed Kerry fundraiser and Texas Democrat Ben Barnes about his alleged knowledge of Bush getting into the National Guard. Newsweek reported that Kerry campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill called Barnes to congratulate him on his CBS News appearance. Just six days later, on September 14, the Democratic National Committee announced “Operation Fortunate Son,” including a new video hitting Bush on the National Guard issue, using excerpts from the CBS interview with Barnes.

This sequence of events has all the earmarks of a coordinated Kerry campaign/CBS News effort to sabotage Bush’s reelection.

SEANCE AT THE DANA CENTRE

the adults-only venue of the London Science Museum:

on the evening of September 23, visitors to the Science Museum’s Dana Centre will be invited to have a go at calling up the dead for real in a Victorian-style séance.

The event will be led by one of the UK’s leading psychologists, Professor Richard Wiseman, who will be trying to find out if science can unlock the secrets of the psychic world.

"Mediums claim to be able to communicate with the deceased," said Professor Wiseman. "Such claims attract a considerable amount of public interest and, if valid, have important implications for many areas of psychology and parapsychology."

Professor Wiseman has an international reputation for scientific research into the scientific examination of unusual areas within psychology, including parapsychology ghosts and hauntings.

CARDINAL McCARRICK REVRSES HIS DECISION

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was scheduled to meet with members of the Rainbow Sash Movement in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC for a Listening Session." This meeting was to be in conjunction with the National Council of Catholic Bishops meeting in November. The Cardinal notified Joe Murray, the US Convener of the Rainbow Sash Movement that he had changed his mind, saying he thought now was not a good time to meet, and he felt this was in the best interest of the Church and the Rainbow Sash Movement. The Rainbow Sash Movement is a national Catholic Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Organization.

Murray responding to Cardinal McCarrick's change of heart said, "We are deeply disappointed, we had hoped the Cardinal would treat gay Catholics with the same standard he had treated Catholic Politicians." When dealing with Catholic Politicians the Cardinal said, "The question for us is not simply whether denial of Communion is possible, but whether it is pastorally wise and prudent." This standard however apparently does not apply to Gay Catholics who publicly identify themselves as Gay.

CATHOLIC ANSWERS RESPONDS TO FRANCES KISSLING'S COMPLAINT

Anti-Life "Catholic" Organization
Targets Catholic Answers

KEATING: "Catholic Answers will not be intimidated!"

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Maureen North
619-387-7200
mnorth@catholic.com
Catholic Answers is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that does not take positions on political candidates, parties, or campaigns. It confines itself to explaining the teaching of the Catholic Church on a wide variety of issues, including the moral obligations of Catholics regarding political involvement.

What follows is a statement by Karl Keating, president and founder of Catholic Answers.

* * *

In a brazen attempt to silence anyone who opposes legalized child-killing in America, the nation’s leading pro-abortion Catholic—Frances Kissling of Catholics For a Free Choice—has launched a full-scale attack on Catholic Answers for publishing the Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics. On September 20, 2004, Kissling and CFFC filed a “complaint” with the IRS, claiming erroneously that our voter’s guide violates tax rules governing non-profit charitable organizations.

And—get this—she’s going to try to STOP US from running the voter’s guide as a full-page ad in USA Today!

In fact, our voter’s guide does not violate any tax rules. We had it thoroughly checked out by legal experts, and we’re well within the law. In the voter’s guide, we don’t mention any candidates, any specific election, or any party, and we don’t endorse or oppose anyone. We merely state the principles that real Catholics are obligated to abide by when voting.

But Frances Kissling, who accuses us of “selective interpretation of Catholic doctrine,” is steaming mad over our voter’s guide. She knows how effective it is. She knows what it will do when 4.8 million people read it in USA Today. And she knows that if she’s going to “protect abortion rights,” she has to keep Catholics confused about what the Church teaches on abortion.

But we’re not going to let her.

We’re going to fight Frances Kissling all the way. This is a blatant attempt at intimidation, and we will not be intimidated. It is an attempt to squelch our First Amendment rights, and we will not be silenced. If the IRS follows up on her frivolous complaint, we will be thoroughly vindicated.

We will never back down—especially not when we’re threatened by this devious organization that has the gall to call itself “Catholic.”

We fully expect that our supporters will step forward and enable us to do exactly what Frances Kissling doesn’t want us to do: Reach 4.8 million Americans through our full-page ad in USA Today.

Read it and weep, Frances.

# # #

Earlier this year Catholic Answers published its Voters Guide for Serious Catholics, which identified five non-negotiable issues on which Church teaching has been adamant: No Catholic can support abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, or homosexual “marriage.” Over two million copies of the voters guide are in print as of this date. On August 31 the text of this voters guide was placed as a full-page ad in selected editions of USA Today. The organization hopes to run it in all editions of USA Today this October. Following the original placement of the voters guide in USA Today, Frances Kissling of the anti-life group “Catholics for a Free Choice” filed a frivolous complaint with the IRS.

A FRONT FOR JIHAD

by Joseph D'Hippolito, at the frontpagemag.com website.

As it rumbles down a narrow road in the West Bank, a steel-gray tank confronts a boy in his early teens, his right arm cocked, ready to throw a rock.

"This occupying army is supported by the West," reads the caption above the tank. Another caption to the rock-thrower's left asks, "Who is going to support this boy?"

That picture greets visitors to the website of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, an organization with a noble title and an ignoble purpose: to provide a front for anti-Western, anti-Semitic jihadism.

The IHRC, based in London and founded in 1997, adopts the feminist and gay models for activism. The commission positions itself as the defender of Muslims around the world who have been victimized by what the group calls, "Islamophobia".

How does the IHRC define "Islamophobia"? Just look at the "winners" of the commission's first Islamophobia Awards Ceremony late last year.

Most Islamophobic Media Outlet: Fox Network News

Most Islamophobic International Politician: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Islamophobe of the Year: President George W. Bush. ...

Go to the website to finish reading the article - ct

TODAY'S NEWS

Or to put it another way...the dissecting of Deal Hudson.

I've just skimmed the comments in Amy's blog. My there are a lot of them. Like vultures flock to roadkill, Catholic journalists have congregated, almost as though they consider it a bad career move not to have taken part. Opinions are flying all over the place. Lots of emotion expressed. (And I admit to adding my own as well.) There is controversy in Dom's blog too. Why does Hudson's plight inspire so much speculation?

He did it. No, he didn't do it. But the paper says he did it. But they don't cite sources. It's a bunch of rumors. But people in the know with reputations to protect remain silent. No one defends him. He admits some error. But he hasn't admitted all of it. He got booted out. No, he got booted upstairs. He's still in control. Someone else will run Crisis now. A story in his own magazine condemns him by implication.

Oyyyyyyy. My head hurts and my brain is spinning. Like people gathered outside a house on fire, we bloggers preen our own saintliness by comparison. Christian or not, we are enthralled by the spectacle of the downfall of the mighty. Power corrupts, and Hudson had a goodly share of it. There is not one of us who would escape temptation given his level of accomplishment. The majority of us would fall for it, too. That is human nature. Fame is more threat than glory. Very few handle it well. If Heaven is the goal, anonymity is the desired condition. Humility is seldom a blessing that accompanies stardom.

So, can St. Blogs move on and leave the Hudson family the chance to grieve and hopefully heal in private? And all in one piece, God be willing. Gossip is tempting. Silence is Christian.

A FORMER NUN GOING TO JAIL

From dailypress.com:

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- A former nun convicted of molesting a 10-year-old fifth-grader at a Catholic school 35 years ago was sentenced Wednesday to six months in the city jail.

Circuit Court Judge Edward W. Hanson Jr. sentenced Eileen M. Rhoads after the victim, now 45, called his former teacher "the face of evil" and asked for the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Hanson sentenced Rhoads, 65, to 10-year suspended prison sentence and ordered her to undergo treatment, enroll in a sex offender program and avoid contact with minors. She also was ordered to serve 10 years of probation.

Before her sentencing, Rhoads said, "I am very, so sorry. I apologize with all my heart" to the victim "for any pain I may have caused you.

HAITI

This Associated Press story paints a picture of Hell:

More than 200 people lined up along a fence around Gonaives Roman Catholic cathedral Wednesday as CARE aid workers began passing bread through a gate in the fence. As the line disintegrated and the pressing crowd threatened to bring down the fence, U.N. peacekeepers fired several shots into the air. Order was restored and no one was hurt.

On Wednesday, people who slept uncovered in muddy streets and near piles of rubble in Gonaives' Place d'Armes, the central square, woke to wails and another morning without breaking their fast.

"Woy!" The traditional shriek of mourning cut through the air.

Carcasses of pigs, goats and dogs still floated in muddy waters slowly receding from the streets in Gonaives, Haiti's third-largest city with some 250,000 people. No house escaped damage. The homeless sloshed through the streets carrying belongings on their heads, while people in homes that still had roofs tried to dry scavenged clothes.

Flies buzzed around bloated corpses piled high at the city's three morgues. The electricity was off, and the stench of death hung over the city.

Voodoo is popular in Haiti. Will we soon be reading stories about residents having recourse to evil spirits in the midst of this chaos? May God have mercy on them.

MARK SHEA'S OPINIONS

Mark so loves to berate and "lampoon" this blog and the ideas that interest me. For example, in his blog comments yesterday, he said:

pml:

Somebody sent me the link today, so I blogged it. Interestingly, your response was reminiscent of blogs like this which see shadows of vast conspiracies and webs of sinister connections everywhere. One gets the impression you were suggesting there was some dark motivation behind the "timing" of my blog entry, when in reality the only timing involved was "I got the link in an email today and posted it". It is reflective of precisely the paranoia of blogs like Carrie Tomko's that I am lampooning with this entry. The woman never met a dark conspiracy theory she didn't love. Now she's sunk to suggesting the JPII is part of the gay mafia.

And, unfortunately, this sort of silly paranoia, which involves itself in endlessly tracing out the Vast Web of Connections between every crackpot occultist and New Age fad in the world like a 19th Century scientist drawing the canals of Mars, is all too common. It's an *utter* waste of time and distracts from doing anything real to heal the Church. People like Carrie would frankly be better off if they threw their computer in the lake, stepped outside for some fresh air, and then want down to the local parish and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul. If she doesn't get out of her mental hothouse, she's going to end in despair.

Mark Shea | Email | Homepage | 09.21.04 - 5:36 pm |

===============================================

He is a staunch defender of Pope John Paul II.

What he fails to take into consideration is that I am in good company with several popes who also were guilty of what he calls "silly paranoia."

Leo XIII - Humanum Genus

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_18840420_humanum-genus_en.html?GRAB_ID=117\&EXTRA_ARG=\&HOST_ID=42\&PAGE_ID=1639168

4. The Roman Pontiffs Our predecessors, in their incessant watchfulness over the safety of the Christian people, were prompt in detecting the presence and the purpose of this capital enemy immediately it sprang into the light instead of hiding as a dark conspiracy; and , moreover, they took occasion with true foresight to give, as it were on their guard, and not allow themselves to be caught by the devices and snares laid out to deceive them.

5. The first warning of the danger was given by Clement XII in the year 1738,(3) and his constitution was confirmed and renewed by Benedict XIV.(4) Pius VII followed the same path;(5) and Leo XII, by his apostolic constitution, Quo Graviora,(6) put together the acts and decrees of former Pontiffs on this subject, and ratified and confirmed them forever. In the same sense spoke Pius VIII,(7) Gregory XVI,(8) and, many times over, Pius IX.(9)

=====================================

Pius X, Pascendi Dominici Gregis (08/09/1907)

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_x/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-x_enc_19070908_pascendi-dominici-gregis_en.html

To all the band of Modernists may be applied those words which Our Predecessor wrote with such pain: To bring contempt and odium on the mystic Spouse of Christ, who is the true light, the children of darkness have been wont to cast in her face before the world a stupid calumny, and perverting the meaning and force of things and words, to depict her as the friend of darkness and ignorance, and the enemy of light, science, and progress (Motu-proprio, Ut mysticum, 14 March, 1891). This being so, Venerable Brethren, no wonder the Modernists vent all their gall and hatred on Catholics who sturdily fight the battles of the Church. But of all the insults they heap on them those of ignorance and obstinacy are the favourites. When an adversary rises up against them with an erudition and force that render him redoubtable, they try to make a conspiracy of silence around him to nullify the effects of his attack, while in flagrant contrast with this policy towards Catholics, they load with constant praise the writers who range themselves on their side, hailing their works, excluding novelty in every page, with choruses of applause; for them the scholarship of a writer is in direct proportion to the recklessness of his attacks on antiquity, and of his efforts to undermine tradition and the ecclesiastical magisterium; when one of their number falls under the condemnations of the Church the rest of them, to the horror of good Catholics, gather round him, heap public praise upon him, venerate him almost as a martyr to truth.

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Pius XI, Divini Redemptoris (19/03/1937)

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19031937_divini-redemptoris_en.html

18. A third powerful factor in the diffusion of Communism is the conspiracy of silence on the part of a large section of the non-Catholic press of the world. We say conspiracy, because it is impossible otherwise to explain how a press usually so eager to exploit even the little daily incidents of life has been able to remain silent for so long about the horrors perpetrated in Russia, in Mexico and even in a great part of Spain; and that it should have relatively so little to say concerning a world organization as vast as Russian Communism. This silence is due in part to shortsighted political policy, and is favored by various occult forces which for a long time have been working for the overthrow of the Christian Social Order.

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Leo XIII - Immortale Dei

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_01111885_immortale-dei_en.html

34. Doctrines such as these, which cannot be approved by human reason, and most seriously affect the whole civil order, Our predecessors the Roman Pontiffs (well aware of what their apostolic office required of them) have never allowed to pass uncondemned. Thus, Gregory XVI in his encyclical letter Mirari Vos, dated August 15, 1832, inveighed with weighty words against the sophisms which even at his time were being publicly inculcated-namely, that no preference should be shown for any particular form of worship; that it is right for individuals to form their own personal judgments about religion; that each man's conscience is his sole and all-sufficing guide; and that it is lawful for every man to publish his own views, whatever they may be, and even to conspire against the State. On the question of the separation of Church and State the same Pontiff writes as follows: "Nor can We hope for happier results either for religion or for the civil government from the wishes of those who desire that the Church be separated from the State, and the concord between the secular and ecclesiastical authority be dissolved. It is clear that these men, who yearn for a shameless liberty, live in dread of an agreement which has always been fraught with good, and advantageous alike to sacred and civil interests."

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Pius XII - Humani Generis

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_12081950_humani-generis_en.html

Disagreement and error among men on moral and religious matters have always been a cause of profound sorrow to all good men, but above all to the true and loyal sons of the Church, especially today, when we see the principles of Christian culture being attacked on all sides.

2. It is not surprising that such discord and error should always have existed outside the fold of Christ. For though, absolutely speaking, human reason by its own natural force and light can arrive at a true and certain knowledge of the one personal God, Who by His providence watches over and governs the world, and also of the natural law, which the Creator has written in our hearts, still there are not a few obstacles to prevent reason from making efficient and fruitful use of its natural ability. The truths that have to do with God and the relations between God and men, completely surpass the sensible order and demand self-surrender and self-abnegation in order to be put into practice and to influence practical life. Now the human intellect, in gaining the knowledge of such truths is hampered both by the activity of the senses and the imagination, and by evil passions arising from original sin. Hence men easily persuade themselves in such matters that what they do not wish to believe is false or at least doubtful.

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Our faith is based in Scripture and Tradition. The Popes teach infallibly in encyclicals. Someone who will defend to the death the current reigning pontiff, while at the same time mocking the teachings promulgated in encyclicals by past popes, has no solid Catholic ground to stand on.

THIRD WAY COMMUNITARIANISM

Ok, all you politically savy readers, how about an opinion. Is this the reason the Democrats and Republicans look like members of the same party?

An article by Patrick Briley at NewsWithViews.com which was sent in by a reader, presents Third Way communitarianism which he believes is the core belief behind the agenda of both Bush and Kerry. He cites Alan Keyes in his article.

GW Bush has a founder of Communitarianism on his staff as an advisor in the White House, Don Ebberly, who in describing Communitarianism said: “This is the ultimate Third Way.” A Different Kind of Politics

To dispel any doubt about GW Bush’s reliance on Ebberly and his “Third Way” communitarianism, all one needs to do is to read the Washington Post article by Dana Milbank: “Needed: Catchword For Bush Ideology; 'Communitarianism' Finds Favor”

Dr. Alan Keyes’ language, “camouflaged socialism” shows that Keyes believes Bush is intentionally hiding his socialistic, world government, Third Way communitarianistic beliefs by masquerading as a conservative. ...

In a 2004 column Congressman Bob Barr, like Alan Keyes, recently exposed Bush’s socialist agenda: "Which recent president's term in office was characterized by support for the so-called assault weapon ban, a huge increase in deficit spending, bigger budgets for virtually every domestic program, including Americorps and the National Endowment for the Arts, and signing into law a massive increase in federal government regulation of political speech, whose administration would you suspect they were describing? That of Democrat Bill Clinton? Nope. We're talking about the first term of Republican President George W. Bush."

There's a lot more in the article including a mention of Robert Muller. Is Briley tilting at windmills, or do you see sound analysis behind his remarks?

An essay by journalist William Bole, an associate fellow of the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, places Catholics in what he calls "soft communitarianism".

The word appears in an article by Michael S. Joyce at the EWTN website:

My second major objection to the pastoral's approach was its emphasis on a misconstrued vision of communitarianism. I am deeply and personally committed to restoring the institutional vitality of civil society, an objective often referred to under the rubric of communitarianism. I see no more urgent need, or more hopeful trend, in the world today. It is a vision inspired and supported by generations of Catholic social teaching.

Is the Pope promoting this concept of social order? Is this what lies behind his work with the UN which seems to be contrary to a great deal of what he teaches? Does this political theory lie behind his opposition to capitalism? And if it does, and the UN is successful in establishing this sort of social order, what will it mean for America?

There is even a Third Way party in Britain.

Theories, anyone?

WASHINGTON TIMES REPORTS DEAL HUDSON'S DOWNFALL

The bombshell:

In addition, specific accusations of more recent sexual misconduct had come to the board's attention, one scholar said.

"This was not about one incident 10 years ago," he said. "It's surprising it was held down as long as it was. I haven't gone out of my way to track Deal Hudson's improprieties — I could be doing nothing else. But you began to wonder after a while if they are true."

DEAL HUDSON'S SWAN SONG ?

This is the email I received from Deal Hudson this evening:

An Important Announcement

CRISIS Magazine - e-Letter

September 21, 2004

**********************************************

Dear Friend,

I have some very important news to share with you.

On Friday, I told the board of CRISIS Magazine that I'd like to step down as publisher. They agreed and on January 1 of next year, I'll become the Director of the newly established Morley Institute.

The Institute will have two major functions: 1) To provide continued funding for CRISIS magazine and, 2) To support several new projects that I've wanted to pursue for some time. (The first of which will be a book on how Catholics can get involved in politics... something about which I have firsthand knowledge.)

I'm very excited about this. But it does mean I'll no longer be publisher.

Don't worry. Not much will change from your perspective. Since the staff of CRISIS has been running the magazine for the past 2 years, you won't actually notice any changes there.

This is really more of a personal decision. It's the right thing for me to do.

As you can imagine, the past month has been very difficult for both me and my family. There's no doubt that the recent adverse publicity about me, and the criticism that followed, influenced my decision. As long as I remain publisher of CRISIS, I'll be a source of controversy.

As my friend and supporter, you've stood by me through all of this. And because of your friendship, CRISIS magazine is healthy and (still!) growing.

But as you have supported me as publisher, I now ask that you support this decision. Please know that this was my call. The plain fact is, I'm tired of being a lightening rod. And more importantly, this whole thing is causing great pain to my family. When all is said and done, I'm a husband and a father. I'm certainly not perfect, but I love my family dearly, and their well being is my first priority.

Thank you for your friendship and your prayers. I can't begin to tell you what they've meant to me. My greatest hope right now is that you understand my decision and continue to support the magazine I cherish.

I'll talk to you soon,

Deal

P.S. I apologize for not being able to answer all your kind emails personally. Please know that I do read every email I get. Unfortunately, I don't always get the chance to answer them.

**************************************************************

To learn more about CRISIS Magazine, visit http://www.crisismagazine.com/subscribe.htm

**************************************************************

A rather different picture is being presented at Bettnet, however:

However, in tomorrow’s editions of the two major Washington dailies, as well as an upcoming issue of National Catholic Reporter, we’re going to be getting more of the story. They will report that other accusations of inappropriate behavior with women have been made. They will also report that certain members of the Crisis board have told Deal in no uncertain terms that he needs to step down as publisher.

AH YES, OUR MOTHER THE EARTH

A reader found this interesting quote from National Catholic Reporter (It's all the way down at the bottom on the right.)

Last Words

‘Just as humans tend the crops that nourish them, the earth cares for the people. It’s a relationship of mutuality, not of subject and object.’

-- Fr. Domingo Llanque
A memorable quote from this week's issue.

Contrast Fr. Llanque's position with the explanation of our relationship to the earth found in Genesis:

God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." God also said: "See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food." And so it happened. (Gen. 1:28-30)

SPAIN WILL APPROVE GAY MARRIAGE

From LifeSite News:

MADRID, September 20, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Spain's Socialist government is set to bring in a bill to legalize same-sex "marriage" for the country October 1, according to a Socialist party leader at a rally Sunday. It would require parliamentary approval before becoming law.

Spain's new Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, whose Socialists won the March election, pledged to legalize homosexual "marriage" the day he was raised to the office of Prime Minister of the country. He has also expressed a desire to ease Spain's restrictions on abortion, and to end compulsory religious education in public schools.

MAINSTREAM COALITION

Rose Rosenwach and Susan Kadison, are the two ladies who are "Monitors visiting activist churches" so that they can watch "for infractions of a law that bans tax-exempt churches from endorsing political candidates." This activity is being conducted for The Interfaith Alliance Wichita, which I blogged below. They belong to the Mainstream Coalition.

Looking through the Mainstream website, I find they support these concepts:

Reproductive Choice...

The MAINstream Coalition believes all children should be born wanted, loved and nurtured.

We support the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, that recognizes a woman's constitutional right to privacy in deciding whether to continue a pregnancy. ...

We support late-term termination of a pregnancy if a woman's mental and/or physical health is endangered. ...

They also support Human Cloning:

The therapeutic potential of stem cells should be pursued in order to determine its benefits and limitations. ...

We support the use of human stem cells, derived either from adult, embryonic, or other tissues and used for therapeutic purposes.

They support the grouping of gender related issues under the heading of human rights/hate crimes:

The MAINstream Coalition defines hate crimes as those that willfully cause or attempt to cause fear, bodily injury or property damage, based on prejudices against persons for reasons of religion, gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability.

They support gun control to the extent that

We support any measure that will curb the proliferation of personal firearms in America.

They support the teaching of evolution:

We support the teaching of the theory of evolution, at appropriate levels, in all schools.

And want the teaching of intelligent design to be appropriate ONLY in religion classes, which of course would not be appropriate in public schools:

We support the discussion of various religious or cultural beliefs about creation and life origins in comparative religion classes.

Regarding Faith Based Initiatives:

We oppose government funding of social service programs, regardless of their effectiveness, that are supported by religious institutions.

We oppose government policies that encourage direct transfers of taxpayer money to "persuasively sectarian" institutions.

The Ten Commandments will not survive on the wall of any public building if they have their way:

The MAINstream Coalition believes that displays of specific religious beliefs/symbols, or specific religious tradition within such beliefs, on government property negates the doctrine of church and state separation.

The Pathway website reports:

Feds asked to investigate Mainstream Coalition

WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft has been asked by the Christian Seniors Association (CSA) to investigate reported harassment of churches in Missouri and Kansas by pro-homosexual groups.

CSA has asked the Justice Department to examine the activities of the Kansas City-based Mainstream Coalition, which claims on its website to have more than 100 volunteers “monitoring” sermons and worship services at targeted churches, including several Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist congregations.

CSA Executive Director James Lafferty said July 28 that he had delievered letters to Ashcroft and to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division asking that federal agents be dispatched to Missouri and Kansas to observe the coalition’s activities against churches there.

“Churches in those states are being strong-armed and pushed around because of their beliefs,” Lafferty said. “We want those religious citizens to get the protection they are promised in the Constitution. It is time somebody pushed back at the liberal bullies.

The group went after Catholic Bishops and has changed names to "Moderate Alliance of Informed Neighbors Coalition, Inc." as a result of a conservative group taking the name and incorporating it as their own in an effort to undermine the efforts of this group which enjoys tax-exempt status while targeting churches and pastors.

NEW WORLD RELIGION DICTATES TO POLITICIANS

Amy Welborn has linked a story about members of The Interfaith Alliance Wichita monitoring churches for evidence of political activism with the intention of having tax exampt status removed. From the article:

The Rev. Connie Pace Adair of the Unity Church of Wichita, the group's chairwoman, said a dozen conservative churches are on a list to visit. They represent a cross-section of congregations, from independent to Roman Catholic, but she declined to name them until all the letters were sent.

This summer, a sister organization in Johnson County made similar visits to conservative churches that also oppose gay marriage.

The Interfaith Alliance does not tolerate a discussion of political candidates even within a church service. Yet this same Interfaith Alliance believes it has a right to dictate to candidates how they will express their religion within political spheres. From U.S. Newswire:

WASHINGTON, July 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- This week, The Interfaith Alliance sent copies of its latest publication, "Running for Office in a Multi-Faith Nation," to the Kerry- Edwards and Bush-Cheney campaign offices. The guides have also been sent to all Democratic and Republican candidates for the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Democratic and Republican National Committees, and 100 state parties.

"Getting religion 'right' in the context of a campaign is tough," said the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of The Interfaith Alliance in his introduction to the guide. "A few candidates seem not to care. But most do. They are determined to win, but unwilling to appeal to hate and division or to compromise the integrity of religion to do it. They want voters to know who they are and how they make their decisions, and that often includes acknowledging their faith.

If you go to the website, you can read their "Do" and "Don't" list.

The organization has a "Do" and "Don't" list of politically correct expression in their website as well. They seem to think they are the religious cultural arbiters for the nation. And they are quite willing to guide you in deciding how to vote. I find this outrageous and a cause for significant anger. This is the religion of Freemasonry. The Universalism of all religions are equal and equally valid. Yet it can broadcast its voting guide far and wide while a Catholic voting guide comes in for censorship by these dictators.

FR. JAY SAMONIE

Author, painter, Catholic priest, and believer in Edgar Caycee's messages, who has his own spirit guide and experienced visions from the age of 7. First, a review of his book, "On My Way Home":

On My Way Home: An Autobiography of a Priest in Today's World - Book Review, by Jay Samonie

From the Publisher

On My Way Home On My Way Home: An Autobiography of a Priest in Today's World is the life of Fr. Jay Samonie, spiritually adventurous and Catholic to the bone. He was an inner city Pastor whose parish served the social, medical and legal needs of 30,000 people each year, the only priest ever to serve on the judicial Tenure Commission in the State of Michigan (judging judges), and an accomplished artist who never had a lesson but whose many paintings graced two separate Art Exhibits and sold out. All of the above made newspaper and television stories. What few people knew -- until now -- is that from the age of seven Jay Samonie was blessed with mystical experiences and cultivated a unique spiritual life that touched on miraculous hearings, psychic revelations, and past-life knowledge. Now retired, Fr. Samonie tells his astonishing story so charmingly and matter-of-factly that he cannot help but encourage and inspire believers and skeptics alike, Here, mingled into one fascinating life, are The Beatitudes and The Ancient Wisdom, the Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and The Silva Method of Mind Development, the Daily Reading of Sacred Scripture and The Edgar Cayce Readings, and enough miracles, large and small to last several lifetimes. On My Way Home is the true story of a "wonderful life" still in progress.

Then, a look at his webpage.

Next, a blurb about him in a Theosophical publication. (See Feb. 21)

This appears to be confirmation that he is serving or has served at St. Mary's, apparently by filling in when a priest was removed for sexual abuse.

While on assignment at this parish, he seems to have used the attic as an art studio.

Incredible!

CATHOLICS FOR A FREE CHOICE TARGET CATHOLIC ANSWERS' VOTING GUIDE

A reader sends this link to a U.S. Newswire story:

Catholics for a Free Choice today filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service against Catholic Answers, Inc. for blatant violation of its charitable status. CFFC called on the IRS to exercise its "authority to revoke the tax-exempt status of Catholic Answers and bring an action to enjoin this organization from again distributing this guide through national newspaper advertisements in October."

On Aug. 31, the antichoice group published an ad containing the text of its Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics in regional editions of USA Today. In the ad, Catholic Answers called on readers to "eliminate from consideration candidates who are wrong on any of the five 'non-negotiable' issues" and called for readers to give a tax-deductible donation to help distribute the voter guide. Catholic Answers derives the "five non-negotiable issues" from a selective interpretation of Catholic doctrine and instructs Catholic voters "how to vote."

Additional evidence shows that this guide targets at least one specific candidate: Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry. Karl Keating's E-Letter of April 13, states Kerry "flunks the test given in Catholic Answers' Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics: He is wrong on all five 'non-negotiable' issues listed there." This egregious violation of US tax laws, which prohibit charitable organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office, is the latest example of a vicious campaign by various tax-exempt organizations opposed to abortion rights and, by extension, candidates who support these rights.

WHY CAN'T THE CATHOLIC CRISIS BE RESOLVED

Crux News has run an article from New Oxford Review that analyses why the crisis in the Church cannot be resolved, listing a simple solution, and then presenting the main reason why this will not be implemented, summed up in the final paragraphs this way: Back to Kellenyi’s article. Says he: "I would urge the reader to search The New York Times archives for an article entitled ‘Can This Man Save the Catholic Church?’ The article is about Wilton Gregory [President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops], and in it he describes in detail how Bernardin mentored and handpicked him, grooming him from early on for a leadership position…. One can reasonably presume that Bishop Gregory is well aware of the fact that he is where he is today because a gay Cardinal took a special interest in him at a young age. Bishop Gregory has benefited directly from the combination of homosexuality and power in the Church. This alone would explain his waffling over the gay priest problem."

Well, yes it would. Meanwhile, we wait and wait to see if Rome will intervene and clean up the mess. (We’re not holding our breath.)

Could the reason that Rome will not clean up the mess be similar to the reason why the Church in America will not clean up the mess? Inquiring Catholic minds would like to know.

BISHOP TAKES STAND AGAINST NEW AGE HEALERS

From CathNews via a link at Spirit Daily:

Bishop Peter Ingham of the NSW Diocese of Wollongong has banned a new age healing expo from the Campbelltown Catholic Club because the event is "contradictory to the church's doctrine".

The Sun Herald reports that Magic of Holistic Healing Expo was due to take place at the Club yesterday. After the bishop's intervention, it was evenually moved to the Campbelltown Tennis Club.

"I had no alternative than to cancel the function," said Bishop Ingham.

PENTECOSTALISM AND SCANDAL

An article from the editor of Christianity Today links Pentecostalism to sexual scandal, citing the fact that even the founder of Pentecostalism, Charles Parham, was charged with sodomy, though the charge was unproven. The article analyzes the reasons behind this phenomenon.

Is this a factor behind the sexual scandal in the Church? The answer to that question might prove to be interesting.

TUCSON DIOCESE TO FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson will seek bankruptcy protection this week after negotiations in clergy sexual abuse lawsuits failed, said an attorney representing many of the people suing the diocese.

"The attorneys for the diocese assured me they will file this week," said attorney Lynne M. Cadigan on Sunday.

Tucson diocese officials wouldn't confirm the claim that they would seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a move that would allow the local church organization to reorganize its debts and obligations.

"My reaction is flabbergastation that Lynne is in the seer and soothsayer business," said diocese spokesman Fred Allison.

PRO-ABORT POLITICIAN AT BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY

Matt C. Abbott reports:

Once again, a pro-abortionist has been invited to speak at a supposedly Catholic institution. On October 5, 2004, Illinois Democratic senatorial candidate Barack Obama will speak to the students and guests of Benedictine University, located in Leslie, Ill.

CATHOLIC PRIEST ON TRIAL FOR GENOCIDE

The landmark trial of a Rwandan Roman Catholic priest accused of supervising the massacre of 2,000 of his Tutsi parishioners during the country's 1994 genocide opened in his absence on Monday.

The accused, 41-year-old Athanase Seromba, was among 44 detainees at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) - which sits in Tanzania - to boycott proceedings to protest plans to move detainees and case files to Rwanda. How does the world court have jurisdiction here?

It is the first time a Catholic cleric faces trial at the ICTR.

I don't know what to make of this. Since this is a world court, is this precedent setting? Have charges been drummed up, or is there substantial credible evidence against this priest?

SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST MARK STEYN

has a laugh at CBS and Dan Rather's expense, in a link sent in by a reader.

BODY ART

Formerly known as tatoos. It's not just for the folks on the other side of the tracks anymore. Now people in the mental health profession seem to be addicted to it. Well, one of them is, anyway. Maybe the pain releases endorphins. Sort of like alcohol, or something. I wonder how her tatoos will look in 15 years when there are a few more pounds under the flesh, or in 30 years when the wrinkles start? Then it will just be distorted body art, I guess.

CHURCH MUSIC

A reader sends in this link to St. Gertrude's parish in Cincinnati where the music you can hear if you have the correct media player is a big improvement over Gather. Though some of it is probably not appropriate for liturgy, the focus is on God and the Blessed Virgin, a welcome improvement over singing about us.

PETE VERE REPORTS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SSPX

At Envoy Encore. It appears there is internal strife that has followers of this group completely confused.

E-MAIL FROM LEE PENN

There are several stories about this; if it is true, it's a keeper for those compiling data on juicy "God's Own Party" quotations.

For the record, I think that Bush said it ... the report in the Mennonite newspaper is convincing to me - despite the White House denial.

At the end of this collection of stories, there is a roundup story from the History News Network, about Bush's claims to a direct line of communication with "God."

Kyrie eleison.

Lee
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CJR Campaign Desk: Archives

Hidden Angle

July 21, 2004
Milking Your Sources

Whether he realized it or not, Sam Stoltzfus of Gordonville, Pa., recently joined the ranks of national political correspondents. His report on a July 9 visit by President Bush to the Lancaster County village of Smoketown has become the talk of the internet.

[Go to the website to read the entire story.

The gist of it is that while Bush was campaigning among the Amish, he was presented with a quilt. He asked to meet the quilter and her family. Stoltzfus reported on the event for the Lancaster New Era, including a quotation from Bush's comments in his report. It was picked up by bloggers and made its way around the net. The news-worthy comment was the following: -ct]

As he was about to leave, Bush told the group -- according to Stoltzfus' source -- "I trust God speaks through me. Without that I couldn't do my job."

Faster than a hyperlink, the anecdote took on a life of its own, among bloggers and on web sites. Nearly as fast, the White House launched a denial. So, who're ya gonna believe -- a guy who would turn down a whoopie pie cookie, or a bearded guy in a flat-brimmed hat and black suit?

--Susan Q. Stranahan

================================================

Here is the Washington Post's report on the White House denial:

The Kerry Campaign's One-Word Weapon (washingtonpost.com) Quote: "The Misquotable Bush

"I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn't do my job." -- statement attributed to President Bush in the Lancaster (Pa.) New Era from a private meeting with Amish families on July 9. The White House said Bush said no such thing."

=================================================

Here is the "Mennonite Weekly Review" report, which includes the quote: Bush meets with Amish group during July campaign stop:

Bush meets with Amish group
during July campaign stop
By Jack Brubaker
Lancaster New Era

LANCASTER, Pa. — President Bush met privately with a group of Old Order Amish during a campaign visit to Lancaster County on July 9. He discussed their farms and their hats and his religion, and got a pledge for prayers, if not votes. A member of the group told Bush that since most Amish do not vote, they would pray for him instead.

[Go to the website for the rest of the story. The significant quote is this one: - [ct] “One of the young girls wanted to give Bush a whoopie pie cookie,” Stoltzfus said. “Bush declined it. The Secret Service man took it, as presidents aren’t supposed to eat untested food.” At the end of the session, Bush reportedly told the group, “I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn’t do my job.”

As the president left the room, one Amish man wished him good luck in November.

“The Amish group headed back to their farms and shops,” Stoltzfus said. “Mothers took their children home for a nap and went back to their sewing and gardens.”

Bush then moved on to an appearance in York County, leaving behind a group of Old Order admirers who will have tales to tell for the rest of their lives.

====================================================
History News Network

Roundup: Historians' Take on the News

Tom Engelhardt:

The President Who Talks to God ... Hello? Hello?

Tom Engelhardt, at TomDispatch.com (July 25, 2004):

[For the entire story, go to the website. Significant portions follow. - ct] The Israeli paper Ha'aretz reported last year that the President said to then-Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, "God told me to strike Al Qaeda and I struck, and then he instructed me to strike Saddam, which I did."

In fact, it seems that the Sovereign Power he believes nominated him for his present job was not "we, the people" or even "we, the Republican Party," but Someone Higher. According to Paul Harris of the British Observer, "Bush said to James Robinson: 'I feel like God wants me to run for President. I can't explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happen... I know it won't be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it.'"

In this administration, the President is not alone. Lt. General William Boykin, Pentagon under secretary of defense for intelligence and war-fighting support, created a small firestorm of criticism by stumping the Christian evangelical circuit claiming that Bush's non-election was proof of divine intervention. "The majority of Americans did not vote for him…Why is he there? … Because God put him there for a time such as this."

We have much evidence, in other words, that the man in the White House believes sovereignty has a lot less to do with the American people, no less Iraqis, than with that Voice from Above. Let's also remember that his administration now has an almost unparalleled track record when it comes to getting (and taking) bad advice. In fact, almost every piece of earthly advice it bothered to garner on the nature of the world it was about to pummel was off-base or downright wrong; and its major acts, ranging from the setting up of an offshore mini-gulag of "information extraction" to invading Iraq, to ravaging the environment for immediate gain, seem intent on sowing chaos. Far be it from me as a nonbeliever to mention this, but given the record, I wonder whether our President should be quite so certain about Who he's been speaking with, about exactly Whose advice he's been following. Could our President actually be getting that advice from the wrong side of the Celestial Aisle?