Dolan lauds result of bishop's actions against lawmakers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ^ | 1/24/04 | Tom Heinen

[ninenot]

From the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jan. 24, 2004

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, a firm supporter of sanctity-of-life teachings and a friend of La Crosse Bishop Raymond L. Burke, is happy that Burke's disciplining of Catholic politicians who support abortion "front-burnered" that issue.

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

Photo/File

I've known (Bishop Burke) since 1972, and I have tremendous admiration and respect for him. Boy, his intellect, his piety, his wisdom have been a blessing to me.

- Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

Background

1/9/04: Bishop's letter brings criticism and praise
1/9/04: Editorial: A bishop lays down a law
1/8/04: Legislators can't have Eucharist, bishop says

But Dolan, who was installed as archbishop a year and a half ago, is waiting for a task force from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to propose guidelines for bishops this fall before deciding whether he will emulate Burke.

He shared those thoughts - his first public comments on the Burke controversy - in an interview with Journal Sentinel reporter Tom Heinen last week after celebrating a Mass for Life with several hundred people in Gesu Church on the Marquette University campus to mark the 31st anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Dolan said he had not sent letters to Catholic politicians regarding their position on the abortion issue, nor has he sought them out specifically to bring it up in conversation.

Burke got national attention in December when it became known that he had sent a number of letters to three Catholic Wisconsin politicians, warning that they were endangering their spiritual lives and scandalizing others if they persisted in supporting abortion rights.

He refueled the ensuing national church-state debate on Jan. 8 by publishing a notice telling Catholic politicians - in his diocese - who support abortion and euthanasia not to receive Holy Communion, and ordering his priests not to give it to them if they try.

That prompted the American Life League in Stafford, Va., which Dolan supports, to urge other bishops to follow Burke's unprecedented, broad action in a newspaper ad campaign last Thursday titled "The Way of La Crosse." The group's Crusade for the Defense of Our Catholic Church has targeted a large number of Catholic politicians nationwide for action, including some in the 10-county Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Burke will be installed Monday as archbishop of St. Louis. Here are excerpts from the interview with Dolan:

Q. You are known for your strong, pro-life stance. What's your position on Bishop Burke's actions?

A. In my book, it's that classical distinction between principle and pastoral practice. And, you know, Bishop Burke and I go way back. I've known him since 1972, and I have tremendous admiration and respect for him. Boy, his intellect, his piety, his wisdom have been a blessing to me.

So, what's come of this, I think, which I'm happy for, is what you might call we front-burnered this issue again. And no matter where you stand on the particular style of what he's done, I think all of us - certainly as bishops, Catholic leaders, people committed to a pro-life cause - are glad that it's front-burnered. And we're saying this is a principle that we can't waffle on. This is a cause that for us is the premier cause of social justice in America today.

(Dolan said Burke's actions had prompted him to examine his own conscience, to see if he had been as "effective" and "cogent" as he should have been in presenting church teaching.)

I know that Bishop Burke himself has said, "I'm not saying every bishop should do it this way." He's said, "This is the way that I prudentially made up my mind as pastor of the Diocese of La Crosse, that I need to do this." And I would respect his pastoral judgment. But I know every bishop's just got to kind of make up his mind prudentially as to the way, the style he's going to do it in his own diocese.

Q. Have you decided how you're handling it?

A. I'm pretty much at peace with the way I've been handling it.

Q. And how is that?

A. I think being very strong in preaching, being very clear in the message, keeping it alive in peoples' minds and hearts. It's rare that I would give a homily that I wouldn't mention the particular pastoral urgency of the pro-life cause.

Q. What's your approach to Catholic politicians, as opposed to more general speaking?

A. I think we've got to be much more vigorous in promoting the pro-life cause with everybody. It bothers me if any politician, Catholic or not, is for abortion. Because in my mind, we're talking about a civil right, we're not talking about a matter of Catholic Church discipline. We can't allow the noble pro-life cause to be reduced to a denominational issue.

Q. You are new in your episcopacy. The U.S. bishops are still formulating guidelines. So, it's in flux. Do you know how you are going to handle individual Catholic politicians?

A. I don't. I can honestly say that. I don't know. I think what the bishops collectively decide, I would take very seriously. But ultimately, it's something I'm going to have to say, how best can I lead, and guide, and form, and challenge my people to live up to all of the demands of the church. And I don't know, to be honest with you. And nor does Bishop Burke. I mean, it took him 10 years and a lot of dialogue and a lot of overtures before he came to that.

(Dolan, a native of St. Louis, who has a doctorate in American church history, added some thoughts about faith and conscience.)

Can you remember back in the early 1960s, in New Orleans, when Archbishop (Joseph) Rummel excommunicated those Catholic politicians and judges who were segregationists? And, of course, he was held up as a hero on every editorial page.

Or in St. Louis. We had the famous Archbishop (Joseph) Ritter, who came after the Second World War, and he announced the integration of the schools. And a lot of people - politicians, prominent business leaders - stood up and said, "This can't be." And he said, "Cease and desist. You're risking the health of your soul, and you're risking the imposition of an ecclesiastical penalty." He's held up as a hero. I mean, every textbook now says what a brave, courageous man.

Q. What about, in a democratic society, the principle of an elected official representing everyone? That's where the rub is.

A. That's where it comes down, doesn't it. That's where the delicacy of the whole issue is, when he says, 'Well, I'm elected but . . . ' That was used, of course, to justify opposition to civil rights. That was used for slavery. That was used for segregation.

You know, we American bishops - again (speaking as) the church historian - I look back to our stance on slavery, and it wasn't a good one. And we look back and say, 'Darn it. We missed an opportunity to be prophetic.'

And I guess that's something we bishops have to ask ourselves now. Are we missing an opportunity to be prophetic?

[Land of the Irish]

I'm thinking that it's too bad the pope hasn't made you a bishop or a cardinal.

I'll tell you one thing, I won't be wearing a block of cheese on my head.

[sinkspur]

I'll tell you one thing, I won't be wearing a block of cheese on my head.

You prefer satin, and lace, don't you, snookems?

[Land of the Irish]

You prefer satin, and lace, don't you, snookems?

I prefer Catholicism over Packerism, Paganism, etc.

[sinkspur]

I prefer Catholicism over Packerism, Paganism, etc.

Jesus never wore a mitre. Dolan was just having a little fun.

Jesus also never wore satin, or lace, or gold, or rings made out of precious stones. In fact, He didn't think much of those who did, in His day.

Incidentals should never be confused with essentials.

[Land of the Irish]

Dolan was just having a little fun.

When did Jesus have a little fun? In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Cross, ...?

The Beatidudes don't seem to mention, "Blessed are the funny".

[ninenot]

While I am as anxious (perhaps more so) than you, Dolan has to fight Marquette University (which will "host" every Aborto-Crat candidate for President this week in a forum,) not to mention certain landed gentry-types, PLUS a sizeable minority of his priests, the ex-Archbishop, the current Auxiliary Bishop, and damn near his entire bureaucracy at the PuzzlePalace/Chancery.

BEYOND that, there's the Irish-Catholic problem up here. There is a LARGE contingent of IrishCatholic "mafioso" who have control of around 75% of the elected and appointed offices in the County and City of Milwaukee, with a particular emphasis on the judicial system. The tentacles extend to Madistan and Washington.

It's one thing to take on all these jackasses when support from the Faithful is strong. It's another thing entirely when you're working like crazy to rebuild Catholicism from the ground up, with a perfidious former Archbishop, and with lawsuits scattered around like landmines.

I have to re-state: IMHO, one juicy public execution could do wonders, and the TomasTorquemada Gentlemen's Club stands ready to assist with the weapons AND the ammo.

But Dolan's following the JPII model: get the Faithful to love you unconditionally, THEN fire the bas#$$^.

[sinkspur]

When did Jesus have a little fun?

Marriage at Cana comes to mind. I'll bet He was having a bit of fun, especially with some wine involved.

And Jesus was criticized for "eating and drinking with sinners." He no doubt had a laugh or two at those dinners.

That's your problem, Irish. You think God is humorless. And you want everybody else to be humorless too.

[ninenot]

because one of the recipients chose to make it so

An EXCELLENT post, thanks, but this comment is not quite true.

I have good reason to believe that the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel was tipped off about the three letters by a pro-life group.

Following this tip, the JS reporters filed an FOIA request for the letter to the State Sentator (Lassa) and thus got their hands on it.

Obey, the (D) Congressman, only admitted to having his own letter under intense questioning (and the threat of FOIA.)

The third critter has yet to announce, admit, or be fingered.

[Land of the Irish]

Do you think Jesus Christ did this stuff?

[ninenot]

It is always good to remember that Christ was FULLY human AND fully Divine.

A couple of glasses of wine, a jig for joy, --not inconceivable.

Can't comment on cheesehead stuff. I don't think Lombardi was coaching in Nazareth at that time.

[sinkspur]

Do you think Jesus Christ did this stuff?

He likely did more; He was younger.

[Land of the Irish]

A couple of glasses of wine, a jig for joy, --not inconceivable.

I don't try to conceive what's not in the Bible. I'm not Protestant.

[ninenot]

Hope you don't watch the Gibson flick. Lotta "conceptualizing" going on there. Almost X-rated by your standards.

[saradippity]

Bishop Olmsted,the new Bishop of Phoenix is wonderful too. He is holy and brilliant,a great combination because he can bring Christ to us using all channels available.

First by being a model for all Catholics and nonCatholics who believe in the Triune God. And then by presenting truth that will touch the hearts of those who respond to truth with their hearts and the minds of those who initially respond with their minds.

I have great hope that the outcome will be a diocese of Catholics who respond to God with their whole mind,and their whole heart and their whole soul,a light unto the world.

His speech on Respect for Life Sunday was a perfect example. He presented Natural Law exceptionally well.Sadly,there were not that many people there dispite the beautiful weather.I was disappoointed but not surprised that the pastors were unable or unwilling to support the event and get more of their people to welcome our new Bishop as well as to lend support for Respect for Life Sunday.

I heard that Archbishop Sheehan (temmporary diocesan Administratorof the Phoenix diocese)said something similar to what Archbishop Dolan said vis-a-vis the state of the Church in the area being even worse than the dismal situation he was told to expect.

[Jeff Chandler]

I have spoken to someone who has somewhat of an inside track in the Phoenix Diocese. He is VERY impressed with Bishop Olmstead. When I asked him if he foresees strong leadership from the new Bishop, he said that there probably won't be a lot of loud public proclamations, but that much will be accomplished quietly, behind the scenes.

[EODGUY]

I defer to your inside information regarding the release of the letter, Nine. However Obey, for being forced to reveal that he received a letter as well, certainly made it very obvious in his public response that he chose to distort the true intent of Archbishop Burke's act rather than address the true substance of the letter.

God bless,

EODGUY

[Salvation]

Bump for Dolan!

[Salvation]

The Deadly Dozen

Canadian Prime Minister Taunts Church: "I Am A Catholic And For Abortion"
Catholic Church asks Tom Daschle to stop calling himself a Catholic
On Catholic Politicians and Faith
Vatican Urges Catholic Politicians to Vote Along Church Lines
Senator Santorum on Being Catholic and a Politician
William E. Simon, Sr. and Jr. Devout Catholics, Philanthropists and Politicians
Deadly Dozen senator taken to task over claims of Catholicism
THE BISHOP AND THE SENATOR [author links to FR thread regarding Daschle in her online column]
Blood On Their Hands: Exposing Pro-abortion Catholic Politicians
MI Gov Granholm Proclaims June "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month"
Colorado Governor To Media:'WE LOVE OUR CHURCH' [Gov. Bill Owens
U.S. Senator Brownback and Commentator Dick Morris Join Catholic Church
PRIEST REFUSES COMMUNION TO KNEELING PRO-LIFE POLITICIAN [Richard Black, Virginia]
Kerry [Catholic} says he'll filibuster Supreme Court nominees who do not support abortion rights
Pope to MPs: Stop gay marriage
Vatican - Considerations regarding ... homosexual persons
CONFUSIONS ABOUT POLITICAL JUDGMENT AND THE MORAL LAW
Prelate says politicians who back abortion shouldn't go to Communion
Bishop draws fire for targeting Chrétien
Kennedy likens Vatican stance on gay unions to 'bigotry' (oh, go get a job, you little creep)
Ignorance or Malicious Intent? "No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to..."
George Weigel on Authentic Catholic Citizenship, and the Duty of Catholic Politicians to Behave as Catholics
Conservative Catholics urge Church to challenge "dissenters"
[Robert F., Jr.] Kennedy to speak at Festival of Faiths (Environmentalism as religion)
Faithful Catholic Politicians
Catholic Bishops Eye Possible Crackdown of Pro-Abortion Pols
PETITION TO EX-COMMUNICATE PRO-ABORTION CATHOLIC ELECTED OFFICIALS
It is Time to Excommunicate the Politicians
Church vows to fight gay marriage: Catholics pressure pols
Should politicians toe their church line?
Church May Penalize Politicans
Catholic politicians facing dogmatic threat
Bishop appeals to Catholic lawmakers [Wisconsin]
New St. Louis Catholic Archbishop Warns Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians of Excommunication.
Bishop Objected to AIDS Walk
Wisconsin Catholic Lawmakers Seek Victim Status In Feud With Bishop
Bishop Burke discusses the letters he sent to Catholic politicians
Congressman Places Internal Pro-Abortion Docs in Congressional Record
Flynn: Dems ignore Catholics
Granholm gay rights order "a slap in the face"
Calif. Bishop To Gov. Davis: Pick Abortion Or Communion [formal excommunication?]
California Bishop to Gov: Oppose Abortion or No Communion (New Title)
Sacramento Bishop Challenges Governor on Abortion; Tells Davis to Stop Receiving Communion
Granholm's Bible-thumping Sure to Rile GOP
Bishop: No Communion for Abortion Backers
Legislators can't have Eucharist, bishop says: Don't serve supporters of abortion rights, euthanasia
Wisc. Bishop Tells Pro-Abort. Catholic Pols: Change Your Stripes or Stay Away from Holy Communion
Diocese targets Granholm on abortion
NJ Governor McGreevey a devout Catholic, yet diplomatic {Barf Alert}
Communion ban on lawmakers who back abortion starts furor
Bishop's ban ignites church-state debate
(MI) Governor's effort is first step to give gays special benefits, weapon against religion [Granholm]
(Louisiana) LA Archbishop aims call at some Catholic politicians [Hughes]
Hughes exhorts Catholic pols to toe line
The end of Catholic politicians
Maher's Moment: A look back at Bishop Maher's Denial of Communion to a Pro-Abortion Politician [Lucy Killea]
Bishops rekindle anti-Catholic bias
TREND? "Pro-Abort Politicians "Shouldn't Dare Come to Communion", Madison Bishop Backs Burke
Dolan lauds result of bishop's actions against lawmakers

[Salvation]

Catholics Kerry and Kennedy have a 100% Pro-homosexual Record with the Human Rights Campaign! Page 10,11

[ninenot]

Democrat=Spin=Lie=Distort

Tell me you are not surprised...