Posted on 01/31/2013 7:02:59 AM PST by marshmallow
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester rescinded an invitation Wednesday to Robert Spencer, a Catholic whose work depicts Islam as an inherently violent religion, to speak at its annual Catholic Men’s Conference in March.
The invitation was withdrawn after Muslims in Massachusetts expressed concerns to the diocese about the appearance of Spencer, scheduled to be a featured speaker at the DCU Center on March 16.
Spencer is director of the blog Jihad Watch and a leader of the American Freedom Defense Initiative and Stop Islamization of America, both of which are seen as anti-Muslim groups by some organizations that monitor extremism.
His books include “Stealth Jihad: How Radical Islam is Subverting America without Guns or Bombs,” “The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion,” and “Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics.” On his blog, he has argued that jihad is a central tenet of the faith.
After the Globe sought comment on his scheduled appearance from the diocese and from Muslim organizations Wednesday, the Islamic Council of New England sent an e-mail urging Catholic leaders to cancel Spencer’s appearance. The diocese agreed to do so shortly after receiving the e-mail.
“Although the intention of the conference organizers was to have a presenter on Islam from a Catholic’s perspective, we are asking Robert Spencer to not come to the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference, given that his presence is being seen as harmful to Catholic–Islamic relations both locally and nationally,” Raymond Delisle, a spokesman for the diocese, said in a statement issued to the Globe.
(Excerpt) Read more at bostonglobe.com ...
Another of N reasons (where N is a very large number) why I am no longer a Catholic.
Just exactly what does the church stand for anymore?
No one knows...or pretty soon....cares.
Too bad, as it would have been a very interesting event to attend. Perhaps they can find someone to present to them Chrislam instead.
“The invitation was withdrawn after Muslims in Massachusetts expressed concerns to the diocese about the appearance of Spencer,”
Correct answer: “I’m sorry you don’t want to hear him. I guess it’s good that you’re not attending.”
Christ said, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
There. Is that how it's done?
Robert Spencer is also known as Father Deacon Robert of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, which is in communion with Rome.
So these Roman Catholics in Worcester are disinviting one of their own—an ordained Deacon in good standing—just because some scruffily Muhammadans object!
PHOOEY!!!!
Maybe they can invite Iran’s Ahmedi-nutjob.
Hey, if Notre Dame can honor the muslim abortionist-in-chief...
I find it interesting that the Catholic church in the US is showing it is not really interested in the Catholic church in the Holy Land.
Not exactly a profile in courage moment is it? This is one of the numerous issues that the Catholic Church fails to deal with forcefully. Every sign of weakness the Church or any other religion displays only encourages the Islamists (and liberals) even more to intimidate Catholics
Well-said!
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