MSNBC Lectures: Lesbian Denied Communion Explains Why Religion 'Turns Off' the Young
According to MSNBC's Tamron Hall on Wednesday, a Catholic priest denying Communion to a lesbian in Maryland is an example of "the very reason so many young people are turned off or are cautious about religion when you see moments like this."
The News Nation program featured a one-sided take on the story, which was given front page play by the liberal Washington Post. Hall interviewed Barbara Johnson, the woman involved and then featured Michael Smerconish to criticize the Priest for only choosing to deny Communion to the gay woman: "What about someone who’s in the church who’s utilizing contraception, someone who is supportive of the death penalty, someone who is prone toward profanity or maybe even living in sin?"
Hall asked Johnson to simply narrate her story: "Take me back to when you first realized that the priest had an issue with you being a lesbian."
The woman was denied Communion at her mother's funeral. The journalist mentioned this, and the fact that Johnson wants the priest removed. However, she didn't cover the details of the woman's angry letter to Marcel Guarnizo:
"You brought your politics, not your God into that Church yesterday, and you will pay dearly on the day of judgment for judging me," she wrote in a letter to Guarnizo. "I will pray for your soul, but first I will do everything in my power to see that you are removed from parish life so that you will not be permitted to harm any more families."
[Thanks to MRC intern Jeffrey Meyer for the transcript.]
A transcript of the February 29th News Nation segment can be found below:
2:15 p.m.
TAMRON HALL: A woman denied communion at her own mother's funeral is now demanding the priest who turned her away be removed. Barbara Johnson says the Washington D.C. priest told her "I can't give you communion because you live with a woman " According to the Washington Post, family members said the priest left the altar while she delivered the eulogy for her mother and even skipped the burial, leaving the family without a priest. Barbara Johnson joins me by phone and contributor Michael Smerconish will also speak with us about this. Barbara thank you so much for your time.
BARBARA JOHNSON: Thank you for having me.
HALL: Take me back to when you first realized that the priest had an issue with you being a lesbian.
JOHNSON: The first moment that I realized that the priest had an issue was with me being a lesbian was when I was standing in front of him with my hand out to receive communion. And when he said those words that you just spoke and I was shocked. And it took me several seconds before I walked away in disbelief.
HALL: And I would imagine there were others around who maybe perhaps did not hear the priest's words to you but I'm sure saw your reaction to whatever he was saying at the time.
JOHNSON: Yes, several people in the front couple of pews did hear what he said, and the entire church, save for perhaps a few people in the back rows saw what happened. And I was greeted after leaving the church by several people who embraced me and apologized and were very saddened and upset by the event.
HALL: Now, the Archdiocese of Washington has indicated that this is against their policy, they have a statement and it says in part, when questions arise whether or not an individual should present themselves for communion, it is not the policy of the archdiocese of Washington to publicly reprimand the person. Any issue regarding the suitability of an individual to receive communion should be addressed by the priest with that the person in a private pastoral setting. When you walked up to receive your communion, did it ever cross your mind that he would not provide you with this moment at your mother's funeral?
JOHNSON: It never, that, never crossed my mind. There was no reason for me to believe that anything like this would happen.
HALL: As I've understood it and from what I've read, you are heartbroken and you are demanding even with the apology from the Archdiocese, you want this priest gone. Why does that mean so much to you at this point?
JOHNSON: My family would like two things: One is an apology from Father Marcel directly in accordance with scripture. Something like this is between the individuals, in addition to that, we would like him removed from parish life. Not removed from the priesthood per se, but removed from parish life so that no other family has to experience the tragedy that we did on the saddest day of our lives.
HALL: Barbara, our thoughts are with you as you continue this. I greatly appreciate it. I know you are traveling and we appreciate your time in pulling over to talk with us. Let me bring in Michael Smerconish. Michael, I first saw this story actually yesterday. You tweeted this out. This hit home for you, why?
MICHAEL SMERCONISH: Well, I just had a conversation for an hour about this on radio, and I think the common denominator, the consensus here is everybody thinks it was poorly handled, even those who are supportive of church doctrine say there had to have been a more street smart way of handling this so that a woman grieving the loss of her own mother wasn't subject to the emotional harm that she just described for you. The other thing that everybody can agree on is that he should have presided over the burial because Tamron, as you pointed out at the outset, he denied her communion, wouldn't allow her to receive the sacrament and then he disappeared and he didn't participate in the burial service. And that really seems egregious. The defense you'll hear of the priest, however, is one of, well, he didn't write the rule. And to the extent that is the rule or that is the doctrine, he shouldn't be held accountable for it, the church should.
HALL: Yeah and the Archdiocese says they are sorry what should have been a celebration of her mother's life in light of her mother’s faith in Jesus Christ, was overshadowed by this lack of sensitivity. And if you can't have a priest or a pastor or a reverend be sensitive, who is in this world? And I say that broadly because this is the very reason so many young people are turned off or are cautious about religion when you see moments like this. This was her mother's funeral. You can't go back and do that.
SMERCONISH: Right. I think there's a disconnect here, a generational disconnect. And another point that it raises Tamron is that Barbara's not the only, and I'm going to use their word, it's not mine. That she's not the only sinner I'm sure who was in the church that day. What about someone who’s in the church who’s utilizing contraception, someone who is supportive of the death penalty, someone who is prone toward profanity or maybe even living in sin? Should those individuals not be receiving communion and would they be similarly denied. I doubt it.
HALL: And this is obviously the issue of her not getting communion, the church is clear on where they stand on homosexuality, but the Archdiocese separate and apart from that, clearly says their policy is that this should have been handled in private, not there for everyone to see what she was experiencing during her grief. And I think that's what we're hitting home, not the church's stance on how she lives her life. It is though not the policy to humiliate her as she says she was that day. So Michael, thank you so much. I appreciate your time.
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Comments
The priest was just following Santorum's instructions.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 6:54pm.
/s
Someone should have told this
Submitted by Goldni007 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 6:57pm.
Someone should have told this Buffalo Bill she can go to another church if she doesn't like it.
“The time has come to acknowledge that it is counterfeit objectivity the liberal media try to sell consumers.” – Sarah Palin
she looks like Pat from the
Submitted by TruthMonger on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:14pm.
she looks like Pat from the snl sketches
IT'S PAT!
Congratulations Jimmy Carter!
A parody of a parody
Submitted by lotr on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:14pm.
She's a parody of a parody. I swear, you can't make this shit up.
Barbara needs to find a religion that accepts her
Submitted by johnsonl on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 6:57pm.
for who she is. We all choose to worship God as we see fit. I am sick of homosexuals forcing their morals on everyone else, just as homosexuals are sick of everyone else forcing their morals on them. Find people who accept you as you are and be happy. That goes for all people.
Hmmmm
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:03pm.
Instead of changing to suit God, change your God?
Six of One
Submitted by IrateNate on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:25pm.
Gotta admit, there's plenty of 'em to choose from...
Christians accept everyone as
Submitted by TruthMonger on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:18pm.
Christians accept everyone as they are...
Congratulations Jimmy Carter!
Correction.....
Submitted by dlwoltmann on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 6:57am.
As Christians, we are not to JUDGE others. We are not allowed to change the word of God to gain other's acceptance. There is a big difference. This is what is being talked about in this article.
A Catholic priest was following
Submitted by Radical1979 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 8:55am.
his faith according to his church. Are you telling me Christians aren't allowed to sit on a jury and pass judgement on someone?
That's somewhat misleading.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:11pm.
While we may forgive them and pray for them, if they continue to willfully engage in an unGodly and sinful lifestyle they will not be "accepted" as believers.
I'm sure young people would be drawn to religion if:
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:01pm.
Those pesky ten commandments weren't there.
Are we getting the whole story on this....?
Submitted by NeoKong on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:04pm.
It just doesn't sound right.
I agree, mentioned it on another thread.
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:06pm.
.
Lecture
Submitted by djwolf12 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:07pm.
The LAST lecture I want today is one that is given to me by Otho from Beetlejuice. Today we lost Davy Jones. Rest in Peace, my friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU615FaODCg
Tamaron Hall was terrible
Submitted by Liberallies on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:09pm.
Tamaron Hall was terrible when she was a morning news anchor for the local fox affiliate in Chicago...and she is still terrible.
1) Taking Communion is NOT a God given Right! The Church clearly teaches who and under what conditions a Faithful may take Communion.
2) If you publicly display your sins, if you publicly announce your sins, yes, the priest has every right to deny you Communion.
if the priests knows you maybe in Mortal Sin, yes, he has every right to deny you Communion. Why? Because if he gives you Communion he may be held accountable for helping you commit a sin, taking Communion while under a Mortal Sin, which is another Mortal Sin.
3) if you use Roman Catholic Church's rituals, sacraments as a political statements, the Roman Catholic Church has every right to deny you these.
4) From the looks of this story, this lesbian is the one making a political statement. If she truly was sincere about her Communion, why contact the media, why make a big deal about it? She knows the Roman Catholic Church is not going to change Her mind.
the end of the reporting is stupid. The priest knew full well that the lesbian was more likely than not living in Mortal Sin. How he found out, who knows, but he knew. The couple probably made it public. However, he didn't know of anyone else living in Mortal Sin. I can assure you he would have denied Communion to anyone else he knew who was also under Mortal Sin.
This Lesbian and Tamaron are acting as if the Roman Catholic Church was a democracy or a corporation in which you complain and a priest is removed. What idiocy.
Isn't sad what our society has become. One in which people do not want to live with the consequences of their life style. They want everyone else around them to pay for it, but they are unwilling to pay for it themselves.
LL-
Submitted by GW on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 2:42pm.
From reading about this at LifeSiteNews, it looks like the priest only had a few minutes of discussion with the lesbian prior ot the funeral Mass.
Ed Peters, a very highly respected and orthodox Canon Lawyer, writes a bit about it here:
http://canonlawblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/note-on-the-lesbian-communi...
FWIW, Ed Peters is the only non-cleric who is advising the Vatican on matters of Canon Law.
Basically, the priest had to have had a longer discussion to establish that she knew what she was doing and was stubborn in her sin. Without those intentions having been established, the priest could not have legitimately applied Canon 915 to deny her Communion.
Now, to you and me, it's a pretty obvious case. But you have to be super sure of what's going on in her heart and mind.
GW
Submitted by Radical1979 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 3:24pm.
When my mother died, we met with the priest to discuss the funeral. He knew us, but still took time to discuss our feelings, our relationship as a family, etc. I'd be willing to bet that upon meeting with the priest this woman's relationship came up. I'd be surprised if there wasn't some discussion about receiving Communion.
I highly doubt she told him she was gay but was now going to give up her girl and change her ways.
And again, she knew better.
hey Rad,
Submitted by GW on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 4:45pm.
Sorry to hear about your mother's passing. If her faith is like yours, she's in a better place now.
I agree that the woman most likely knew better, and I'd even wager a bet that she was baiting the situation, as surmised here by other commenters. And I agree in the complicity of the MSM.
I also agree with the Priest's desire to protect the Eucharist. I was a commissioned Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist until I moved and switched parishes. Our training emphasized that we were the last line of defence for the Blessed Sacrament. I'm sure the priest was thinking of protecting the woman's soul so that she wouldn't partake of the Sacrament without discerning the Body (1 Cor 11 I think it is).
I'm talking about what the priest would be allowed to do given the restrictions of Canon Law. Since I'm no expert on that, I deferred to Dr. Peters. According to the article I read at LifeSite, the interaction the woman had with the priest was a few minutes of conversation in the sacristy prior to the Mass, where she introduced her 'partner' as her lover. Yeah, that sounds to me like she was baiting the situation. I think the priest did advise her not to approach for Communion. (Maybe a sibling made the funeral arrangements, so she didn't have a long talk with the priest prior to the day of the funeral.)
But, according to Dr. Peters, the conversation would have had to have been longer to establish that she fully knew what she was doing, had been warned of the gravity of her sin, and stubbornly continued. So, in a court of Canon Law, the priest's defence sounds weak. In the court of common sense, I totally agree with you.
A clergyman at LifeSite was quoted as saying, "When in doubt, give It out."
Now, as for the Pelosis and Kennedys and such, I really think they should be denied Communion because there have been lengthy discussions RE: Abortion, and it can be established that they know what they're doing and they're being stubborn. Dr. Peters says that the criteria for denying them Communion under Canon law have been met. And I fault the Bishops (like Wuerl) for not following through.
Priests lacking sensitive?
Submitted by Liberallies on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:13pm.
Priests lacking sensitive? It would have been 100 times more insensitive to contribute to her Mortal Sins!
These left wingers are all about feelings and sensitivity. how dare anyone hurt the Lesbians feelings?! how dare you?!
I mean, since she was grieving, Catholic Dogma, Teachings should be thrown out the window and her, not God, should have been made number one.
(sarcasm off)
the fact that this woman is making this into a news story and a political statement, it sounds like she used her mother's Mass services as a political statement.
As others are pointing out, there is probably much more to this story. But PMSNBC is not worried about the truth, they are more worried about pushing a radical Left wing agenda.
The Church will not budge, move on radical Left wingers.
"Religion"
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:18pm.
This lady would be welcomed with open arms in many a Protestant church. I'm not saying that Catholicism is wrong. I'm just saying that they are distorting the story, as usual.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
Kingfish17, Wait...but she
Submitted by Liberallies on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:23pm.
Kingfish17,
Wait...but she is welcomed with open arms in the Roman Catholic Church. She justs wants a friendship, a worship, a religion in which she, the Lesbian, dictates the terms of the open arms relationship and is unwilling to accept anything else.
it is the homosexual community who does not accept the Church with open arms because the RCC "dares" to tell all of us that having homosexual sex is a sin, as much as the Church tells us that having sex outsdie of marriage is a sin. Just like the Church tell us that using contraceptives is a sin.
the problem we have today is that we live in a spoiled brat society where no one wants ot hear that they are living a life of sin.
It sounds like the woman is using her mother's burial Mass to make a political and social statement against the Roman Catholic Church denying Communion to militant homosexuals like her. The Church is clear on this, you can go to Mass, listen to the priest, be friends with the priests, the rest of the congregation, etc, etc., but the second you attempt to use any Sacrament of the Church to push a political or social agenda, the Church will not allow you to do so.
"...denying Communion to militant homosexuals like her..."
Submitted by Tugboat Phil on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 9:41pm.
Instead of militant, I'd say she's mentally ill.
RCC
Submitted by rusino on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:11pm.
Well stated!
LL
Submitted by lotr on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:23pm.
Part of the problem is, too many priests cater to political pressure. Not judging their souls -- Lord knows I don't envy the great responsibility placed on their shoulders -- but just calling the shots as I see them. We need to continue praying for priests (and Protestant ministers/pastors, for that matter).
Amen, LL.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:15pm.
We need to pray for God's guidance for all of our leaders and for those who practice false religions to repent.
Let Michael Moore have communion!!!
Submitted by bigdaddy on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 7:38pm.
What do you mean it's not a clean shaven Michael Moore? Really? Female?
Next time please use one of those pictures of a "Lipstick Lesbian" like they have on television and in the movies. Reality is just too scary.
Headline Picture
Submitted by djwolf12 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 8:04pm.
Gee, can that picture be anymore IN YOUR FACE????? I swear Liberals are the angriest and most bitter people on this planet. Tell me if I'm wrong here, but WHO are the people that are the most confrontational and angry people on facebook? Liberals.
If the nitwit is Catholic, she knows she is not to judge.
Submitted by drsamherman on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 8:29pm.
Judgment is reserved for God, not for the likes of her.
If she is such a good Catholic, she would know that the Eucharist is to be approached only after receiving absolution. Funny how her sexual orientation is supposed to remove inconvenient church teachings.
And she has the gall to demand an apology?
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:16pm.
This is a crazy world.
Communion
Submitted by Dirjj on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 9:22pm.
I've been a Catholic for all of my 43 years of life. I don't go to church regularly though, and haven't done a Confession since I was a kid. Because of that, I purposely do not walk up Communion at the end of services. I haven't earned it. This woman open sins. She shouldn't have walked up for it to begin with. I swear, these Libs always think they're entitled to something for NOTHING.
ab
You can still walk up
Submitted by GW on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 2:45pm.
When you do, cross your arms in an X over your chest. (Left hand rests on right shoulder. Right hand rests on left shoulder.) The Minister of the Eucharist is supposed to give you a blessing by making a sign of the Cross on your forehead.
Communion isn't candy from a Pez despenser
Submitted by MinneMike on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:12pm.
It doesn't matter the person, the sin, and the circumstances. Communion is the body and blood of Christ. In that the Church enforces the Bible, and the Bible condemns homosexuality, one must seek absolution and repent of his sins before receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion.
A church that forgoes its morals in exchange for social appeasement seizes being a church.
DENIED COMMUNION???
Submitted by stage9 on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:29pm.
She will be denied MORE THAN THAT when she reaches the gates of that Eternal Holy City!
"COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE SEPARATE SAYS THE LORD!"
The Church is not obligated to cater to the sinner! God is not sitting in heaven ringing His hands over her offense of the Church!
THIS is the CRUX of what's wrong with the Church today, we've convinced people that God accepts everybody! NONSENSE!
"Whoever puts their trust in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." John 3:36
Homosexuality is a sin! Like it or not. Believe it or not.
REPENT! Then you'll get your communion. Don't repent and communion will be the least of your problems on the Day of Judgment.
"If God is dead, somebody is going to have to take his place. It will be megalomania or erotomania, the drive for power or the drive for pleasure, the clenched fist or the phallus, Hitler or Hugh Hefner." — Malcolm Muggeridge
Stage9
Submitted by rusino on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:18pm.
In the end God will be the judge. Although I agree with much of what you said, we are granted just so much Grace. In the end we have done the best we could. That is all He asks.
Even the worst among us may find Salvation at the Final Judgement.
This is a declaration of war
Submitted by MrSnuggles on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 10:49pm.
This is a declaration of war on the church. Just wait, it will get far worse before it gets any better.
The priest in question had
Submitted by lotr on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:19pm.
The priest in question had balls. And now the media, puritans in their aversion toward big balls, are now seeing to it that they get lopped off.
Let's see...
Submitted by Restless Legs on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:57pm.
She's complaining that the church is condemning her for her beliefs... but it's OK if she condemns the church for their beliefs. If you don't like the church's teachings, don't go there!
One thing
Submitted by Bob K on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:03am.
for sure. She is certainly not a "Lipstick Lesbian". Easy to tell that in any relationship she will be the one pretending to be the man.
Turns off the young? Really Tamron?
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 8:31am.
Have you seen the throngs of young people who turn up for the annual March for Life in Washington?
Oh wait! You can't, because the media ignore it.
Did you also miss the 1.5 MILLION young people who traveled to Madrid for World Youth Day with Pope Benedict last August?
It's the "if-it-feels-good-do-it:" liberal churches (hello, Presbyterians!) that are losing membership.
Amen, Sister!
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:22pm.
Preach!
And this generation of priests
Submitted by GW on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 2:53pm.
is on fire!
who elected her to speak for youth?
Submitted by Tidy Bowl Man on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 8:31am.
I would think her demographic would be pretty narrow. And its not the youth.
SMERCONISH is using the we
Submitted by creative_destruction on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:50am.
SMERCONISH is using the we all are sinners argument to neutralize the homosexual issue. It is a good one. Turn the topic on its head and instead of focusing on the lesbian and the sin of homosexuality shift the focus on to the Catholic church. Smerconish is typical of every radio personality who panders to a secular audience. He always sides with the secular humanist position on every issue as it relates to matters of faith for fear it will affect his ratings. Oreally on Fox is the same way. He is a Catholic in name only as well. God's laws are immutable. A Christian's will is to conform to them. End of discussion.
Steve
This lady didn't even
Submitted by maryerin on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 11:48am.
This lady didn't even consider that Communion would be denied to her? This is another case of people believing that they can do whatever they want and with a total disregard and respect for anyone or anything else. It was right for the priest to deny her Communion. If you go into someone's house and misbehave should you throw a fit when you are corrected for it?
This is just another example of how the Gay Rights Movement is about Special Treatment not Equal Treatment.
Fulton J. Sheen
This is not why young people are "turned off" to religion.
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:23pm.
It is because they (and the media) don't like being told that most of them are living their lives in a unproductive, harmful, self-centered, self-seeking, and selfish manner and they don't want to change.
It's also why so many churches don't preach against sin and for salvation: "Well, we don't like to talk about sin too much because it makes the members feel "uncomfortable". Right, Joel Osteen?
You're absolutely right
Submitted by mandrake on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:24pm.
That's the parents job!
⇒ Remember this?
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:27pm.
Anyone remember 2007 when a Old Man Archbishop Niederaurer (San Fran, where else?) was caught on camera giving Communion to a drag queen in blasphemous nun attire? Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence ring a bell?
There is a definite move afoot by sexually perverted people, to make mock of the RCC most sacred of Sacraments.
I remember CA
Submitted by Radical1979 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:36pm.
And when they are done with the Catholic church, they'll move on to the Baptists, the Lutherans, etc.
None of us are safe, except the Muslims, because they kill.
Sorry, but as a practicing
Submitted by golfer88 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 4:55pm.
Sorry, but as a practicing catholic, this priest was just plain wrong to have singled this individual out during the service. I agree that she is in a state of sin and should not have been TRYING to receive communion. But probably 80 - 100% of those receiving communion at that service probably were too and that includes the priest. If she had been to the sacrament of reconciliation recently and had atoned, she had the right regardless. No, this priest was grandstanding and the holy mass is no place for that.
As a practicing Catholic
Submitted by Radical1979 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 5:13pm.
you don't have the authority to say a priest is wrong.
Perhaps the priest felt the Holy Mass is no place for a woman who is sinning to receive Holy Communion. For all we know, she was informed ahead of time.
OK, I'll bite...
Submitted by golfer88 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 5:18pm.
I don't have the "authority" to say a priest is wrong? I'll probably regret asking this, but how's that?
Good evening Golfer
Submitted by cocodrie on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 1:02am.
I also am a Eucharistic minister and the lay ministers have different rules than the priest.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
As an Extraordinary Minister
Submitted by golfer88 on Thu, 03/01/2012 - 5:28pm.
As an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, we were trained specifically not to do such things during the service. But if we KNEW (a very risky proposition) someone was with sin at the time they received the Eucharist, the only way to handle it was to give them the host or blood and discuss it with the priest in a private setting, not try to make an example of someone during mass. Jesus forgives and lay ministers and priests are not supposed to judge but to pray and teach.
Golfer88, And that is the
Submitted by Liberallies on Sun, 03/04/2012 - 1:51pm.
Golfer88,
And that is the problem we have today in America. "Oh be nice to the person who everyone knows is making her sin very public". WRONG!
If a person makes his/her sin public and they insist that these are not a sin, it is the obligation of the Roman Catholic Church to make a public stance against this person. Why? Because of scandal. if the Church gives this person, who has made his/her sin public the Sacraments, the Sacraments, the Church will seem to be complicit with the sin and at the same time telling the rest of us Catholics that the sin the person is committing is not a sin.
The American Roman Catholic Church has been too wishy-washy, too easy on Her members for too long. Worried that being stern, worried that informing those who attend Mass what is a sin or not because they may lose members.
I am sorry, but I will say this. Your type of thinking has led the Roman Catholic Church to the pedophile scandal, to everyone in the pews getting up and receiving Communion without going to confession first. No confessions being offered on a daily basis. A very large number of Catholics using contraceptives and believing that they are not doing anything wrong. Your type of thinking, while I have zero doubt is well intended, has mislead The Roman Catholic Church in the United States.
Why do you have
Submitted by Clutch1956 on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 12:44am.
a not-so-flattering picture of Drew Carey when it supposed to be a womyan (wyman? woomayn) bull dyke?