Cardinal Dolan Says Appearance at Republican National Convention Isn't Political

NY Magazine ^ | 08.22.12 | Margaret Hartmann

[Coleus]

Cardinal Dolan Says Appearance at Republican National Convention Isn't Political

 

In an interview with the Roman Catholic broadcaster EWTN, Mitt Romney revealed today that Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the closing prayer after he accepts the Republican nomination next week in Tampa. Though it's hard to imagine a more political event, Dolan wants to make it clear that this isn't a partisan move and doesn't mean he's endorsing Romney for president. In fact, he'd be willing to give the benediction at the Democratic National Convention as well, though that would be kind of awkward since his archdiocese is currently suing President Obama over his birth control mandate.

Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, told the New York Times that Cardinal Dolan agreed to participate “within the last two weeks." He added:

“Cardinal Dolan is going to pray, not to engage in partisan politics. He made it clear when he accepted the invitation that he would also accept an invitation from the Democratic National Committee to offer a prayer at their convention, should they ask ... He is going simply to pray, which is part of what a priest should do.”

Dolan was one of the leaders of Catholic effort to block President Obama's mandate that religious organizations must include coverage for birth control and emergency contraception in their employees' health insurance. Religious leaders weren't satisfied with Obama's compromise, which involved insurance companies covering the cost of birth control for organizations that object on religious grounds. In May, 43 Catholic groups across the country filed lawsuits against the Obama administration, charging that the mandate violates their religious freedom.

Romney actually revealed that Dolan will be appearing at the convention in a response to a question about Catholic bishops' opposition to Obama's health care plan. Romney said he plans to "continue to meet with Cardinal Dolan, and wants to make it "very clear that the interest of religious freedom is something I support wholeheartedly.” It's more common for the local bishop to give the blessing at the convention, but Dolan's leadership on the health care issue isn't the only possible reason that the Romney campaign tapped him instead. When Cardinal Dolan served as the archbishop of Milwaukee from 2002 to 2009 he became close with a certain Catholic representative from Wisconsin, who'll also be accepting his party's nomination next week.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Hopefully, most American Catholics will get the message, loud and clear.

[Coleus]

I guess he’s covering all bases and is promoting the church and reaching out to both parties.

[Dr. Sivana]

Mitt Romney revealed today that Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the closing prayer after he accepts the Republican nomination next week in Tampa.

Normally Roman Catholic Cardinals shouldn't be running for high office, but in this case it would be an upgrade.

[allendale]

Catholic clergy have to stop the charade of being non political or impartial. How could any legitimate Catholic clergyman give credence to the Democrat convention. The Democrat convention by its own admission will be a celebration of abortion and homosexuality. They will renominate a man who not only celebrates abortion but heartily endorses partial birth abortion.The key speaker will be the degenerate Bill Clinton. If Dolan or any other high ranking Catholic prelate gave a blessing at that evil convocation, it would be a sin.

[campaignPete R-CT]

“Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the closing prayer after he accepts the Republican nomination next week in Tampa”

Doc, you beat me by 9 minutes.

[Sun]

Cardinal Dolan is saying the Benediction, and boy does our country ever need prayer!

[zencycler]

I DARE the Dems to invite Dolan to pray - can’t wait to see the femi-nazi outrage and the idiotic comments about this that would come from the likes of Sandra Flukme ... I swear, that last word was a typo, I swear :)

[Howindependent]

...How could any legitimate Catholic clergyman give credence to the Democrat convention. ...

The answer from Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil,

[Sooth2222]

"He made it clear when he accepted the invitation that he would also accept an invitation from the Democratic National Committee to offer a prayer at their convention, should they ask ."

Of course, the chances that they would ask are about as remote as the chances that Obama will release his adoption, passport and college records.

[Tennessee Nana]

Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the closing prayer after he accepts the Republican nomination next week in Tampa.
_________________________________________

Ar lasr someone to vote FOR...

Cardinal Dolan has my vote...

:)

[onyx]

Either VP Paul Ryan is already having an influence or Romney is very clever.

I continue to pray......

[NKP_Vet]

I would imagine the opening prayer will be from a preacher from the anti-Christian cult known as Mormans. Probably with the last name of Young or Joe Smith the 5th.

[onyx]

Dear God. I remain praying.

[nicmarlo]

Hopefully, most American Catholics will get the message, loud and clear.

Indeed so!

Either VP Paul Ryan is already having an influence or Romney is very clever.

And....perhaps they all (as we do) have a greater common enemy. The Marxist in the White House, for one.

[nicmarlo]

God has a plan and puts those whom He will into power for reasons we often do not understand.

Ephesians 6:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

"Pray without ceasing." [1 Thessalonians 5:17]

[RichInOC]

Heh. Yeah, that lead was awkwardly done, wasn’t it?

:-D )))

Dolan 2012: The Most Dangerous Man In America...Talent On Loan From God...Having More Fun Than A Human Being Should Be Allowed To Have...Serving Humanity Just By Being Here, And It Doesn’t Matter Where Here Is...Harmless, Loveable Little Fuzzball And All-Around Nice Guy...Debating Obama With Half His Brain Tied Behind His Back, Just To Make It Fair...Not Your Guiding Light Through Times Of Trouble, Confusion, Murkiness, Tumult, Chaos, Lies, Deceit, Stupidity, Ignorance, And Even The Good Times, Just Your Guiding Light’s Humble Servant.

(Borrowed and adapted from that other big guy from Missouri. I don’t think he’ll mind.)

[onyx]

Thank you very much. God bless and keep you and everyone you love and cherish.

I will continue to pray. I trust in Him.

[a fool in paradise]

What’s the over/under betting pool on Cardinal Dolan being heckled at the 2012 DNC Convention?

If he did attend and was booed, would SeeBS overdub the boos with CHEERS as then did when the NYPD/NYFD booed Sin. Hillary Clinton at the post-9/11 Concert For NYC?

[napscoordinator]

The hurricane is headed right for Tampa. They need to change the venue to somewhere in Ohio ASAP. They still have time to change it but they need to do it now or it will be a very reduced convention if one at all.