Priest tells lawmakers not to emulate JFK

CNN ^ | April 13, 2004

[NYer]

DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest caused a stir on the House floor Tuesday when he urged lawmakers to let religious faith guide their votes and "be the antithesis of John Kennedy."

While delivering the chamber's morning prayer, the Rev. Bill Carmody said too many politicians have followed the example of the nation's first Catholic president by pledging to separate their faith from politics.

[NYer]

In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.

Faithful Citizenship

[NYer]

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

[Notwithstanding]

May they, indeed. Amen.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

I like this priest!!! I am getting some of the more-Orthodox students to get the free Catholic Answers voting guide, we are then going to leave them in full view at my more liberal Catholic Center. That way we can distribute them without spending money (I am a cheap College student).

[johnb2004]

"Almighty God, please change and convert the hearts of all the representatives in this House. May they be the antithesis of John Kennedy, may they be women and men of God, and may their faith influence and guide every vote they make," he said.

What a great priest!

[sakic]

Great. Now we've got priests ripping our ex-Presidents in public for their lack of morality. Maybe they should pay more attention to their own house before they go around blasting the morality of others.

[I still care]

This priest is doing what he is supposed to be doing.

It's a liberal assertion that if you are religious you can't judge people- that would be intolerant. But Jesus did, and Paul opened up a can of whoop@ss everynow and then too.

[sinkspur]

What a great priest!

He's a stupid priest.

He's made himself the issue.

He had no business mentioning JFK's name, especially in a derogatory way, and especially since there's no evidence JFK ever did anything as President that violated his faith.

[sinkspur]

This priest is doing what he is supposed to be doing.

Using a prayer to trash an ex-President?

It's cheap theatrics. It's also all his opponents need to start talking about lifting the tax-exempt status of the Catholic Church.

[steve-b]

we wouldn't have politicians who abdicate their faith to be politicians

I'll believe that when I see it.

[kidd]

What a moronic thing to post.

First of all, the priest never questioned JFK's morality. He asks that "their faith influence and guide every vote they make". Do you disagree with that? Should any Christian politician disagree with that and still call himself a Christian?

Second of all, your assertion is that because 5% of all priest are perverts that the other 95% should stop promoting the Word of God makes no sense whatsoever. Its certain liberal American Bishops who have allowed the homo priests to prey on kids. Individual priests have relatively little power to do anything except influence their own behavior. Unless you have proof that this particular priest is a problem, your assertion is worthless.

But, hey, at least you got your chance to take a cheap shot at Catholics.

[SavageRepublican]

President Bush, a Methodist, also is at odds with Roman Catholicism on some issues, including its opposition to capital punishment.

So????

Why would Bush have to abide by the rules of Roman Catholicism if he's not Catholic?

[Diva]

It's also all his opponents need to start talking about lifting the tax-exempt status of the Catholic Church.

Sinkspur that is coming no matter what. As for Kennedy seperating his faith from his political votes it certainly wouldn't surprise me as he managed to do it with his private life ALL the time. I was pretty young when he was alive so I do not remember if he made a public stand for or against abortion. Was abortion even on the radar nationally at that time?

[kidd]

It's also all his opponents need to start talking about lifting the tax-exempt status of the Catholic Church.

Whats more important - promoting the Word of God or tax-exempt status?

I disagree that its cheap theatrics. It needs to be said. The Catechism insists that politicians let "faith influence and guide every vote they make".

Jeepers, Sinkspur - here's a priest with a spine - why would you discourage it? Are Catholics supposed to sit back and let Kerry-like politicians redefine Catholicism in America? Catholics HAVE to stop being sheep!

Please reconsider your opinion of this fine priest and his bold prayer.

[kidd]

He had no business mentioning JFK's name, especially in a derogatory way, and especially since there's no evidence JFK ever did anything as President that violated his faith.

The priest didn't question JFK's morality. He mentioned JFK because it was JFK, and only JFK, who had to make a public statement that he was going to separate his faith from his politics.

[The Lumster]

"...especially since there's no evidence JFK ever did anything as President that violated his faith."


Your being sarcastic right?

[ELS]

May God continue to bless and protect Fr. Carmody.

[sinkspur]

Jeepers, Sinkspur - here's a priest with a spine - why would you discourage it?

Because he names a dead president in a prayer.

It's the kind of thing Jesus condemned in the Pharisee, who prayed "Lord, thank you that I am not like the rest of men."

If the guy wants to make a point about politicians following their faith, fine.

Leave out the personal references.

Please reconsider your opinion of this fine priest and his bold prayer.

He may be a fine priest, but it was a galactically stupid prayer.

[sinkspur]

The priest didn't question JFK's morality.

JFK never said he would separate his faith from his politics.

He said he would be his own man in the presidency, which was meant to counter talk that the Pope would be running things, behind the scene.

[NYer]

Jeepers, Sinkspur - here's a priest with a spine - why would you discourage it?

Because the deacon likes to be contentious and play the devil's advocate ;-D