Bishop Burke discusses the letters he sent to Catholic politicians

The Catholic Times, LaCrosse, Wisconsin ^ | 12/11/03 | Bishop Burke

[johnb2004]

Finally,

A true Catholic gets some press. There is no substitute for testicular fortitude and a keen mind. Congrats to Bishop Burke.

[Unam Sanctam]

If people commit mortal sins they are at risk of going to hell. That is a truth of the faith and it has nothing to do with politics or theocracy. There is also the little matter of the First Amendment, you know, freedom of speech, religion, etc. Oh, but I guess that traditional religious leaders forfeit their First Amendment rights in this brave new liberal anti-religious world we live in.

[old and tired]

The more I read about your new bishop, the more jealous I am that it is Justin Rigali, and not he, who has come to Philadelphia.

[Desdemona]

Burke won't quit. That's beyond question.

I was just curious as to who else around here was Catholic running for office. It's not like it's usually an issue unless it's volunteered.

There are many people who do not believe in denying Eucharist. I worry that Burke's zealousness is going to rub a lot of people the wrong way. I'm waiting to see his comportment and manners and whether or not he understands our brand of class. It seems from his actions in Wisconsin that he does understand what it means to act with manners. It's just a worry I have.

[Unam Sanctam]

It is not a threat, since the clergy does not send anyone to Hell, only God does. The clergy, however, have a responsibility to teach the faithful what is sinful behavior and what the consequences of that are. I'm sorry, but we Christians have rights too, so you can just take your anti-religious bigotry and hatred and stuff it!

[RobbyS]

You have to consider the possibility that some pol leaked the letter to make himself look good in the eyes of hisparty bosses. So much the worst for him/her.

[Salvation]

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Bishop Burke discusses the letters he sent to Catholic politicians

[k omalley]

Is Burke actually denying these folks the Eucharist? I thought he just asked them not to present themselves for the sacraments. At any rate, I'm sure there will be renegade priests who will say they are proud to offer the Eucharist to these pro-choice, pro-homosexual marriage politicians.

[claritas]

You're forgetting Dick Gephardt. He is a Catholic and a former pro-life politician who jumped ship. As I heard the story, Gephardt met with Ed McCauley and told him that he was strongly in the pro-life camp. The very next day, Gephardt scheduled a press conference and announced that he was changing his position on the matter. He'll probably be first on the list.

[Desdemona]

Dick Gephardt is a Baptist.

[johnb2004]

"There are many people who do not believe in denying Eucharist"

I fail to see why it matters if the few or many believe such an assertion. What matters is will the bishops correct the wayward and those who cause scandal.

"I'm waiting to see his comportment and manners and whether or not he understands our brand of class. It seems from his actions in Wisconsin that he does understand what it means to act with manners. "

Perhaps you could explain what that means? From my reading this bishop has enough faith to be more concerned with offending Christ than some "catholic" who dissents and causes scandal.

[quietolong]

Congregation still missing stolen religious sculpture (Sodomites HateCrime Against The Church?) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1081774/posts

[Salvation]

** 2) a Catholic can leave the church at any time there by rendering the Bishops letter moot.**

And a Catholic can always come back to the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church she he/she realize they made a mistake in leaving in the first place.