I put together these stories and
comments before Pope Francis arrived in the US. Unfortunately, I
progcrastinated, and missed my chance to appear smart to all of my
readers (me).
But, here they are anyway, because
that's just the way my brain works. And now, with the prescience of
hind-sight, I can comment on how the press really screwed this up.
But I recommend you read the Get Religion blog, or maybe Media
Research Center. They do this for a living and know what they are
talking about. I talk to myself over the internet.
Obama's queer guest list. It seems now,
after the fact, to have been a tempest in a teacup about nothing. I
suppose the fringe groups represented by the radicals who were
invited – and the red-meat conservative commentators who decried
the invites – go 15 minutes of fame. Other than that, a big fizzle.
Did anyone expect a knock-down drag-out between a drag queen and a
sister or a pontificating pufter and a bishop? Never going to happen.
And it didn't this time.
17 Sep 15
White House Invites Several
Opponents of Catholic Teaching to Greet Pope Francis
“In a stunning show of political
indecorum, Obama has invited a series of individuals who publicly
flout Catholic teaching, including a pro-abortion religious sister, a
transgender woman and the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, along
with at least two Catholic gay activists.”
Gays, Transgenders, 'Nun on the Bus'
Invited to White House Pope Francis Reception
By Mark Judge
"A few months ago I received an
invitation from the White House to attend the reception for Pope
Francis," Taylor told CNS News. "I was told I could bring
several friends with me." Taylor chose five additional people to
go with him. He would also "rather not say" which White
House staffer made the offer. “I’m very happy to meet my brother
in Christ, Pope Francis,” he said. “I’m glad we can bring some
LGBT representation to the event.”
“Additionally there is Sister Simone
Campbell, the Executive Director of NETWORK, which describes itself
as “a national Catholic social justice lobby.” Sister Campbell is
attending two events – the White House reception and Pope Francis’
address to Congress September 24. In 2010 Campbell wrote a letter in
support of health care reform, otherwise known as Obamacare. In 2012
she helped organize the “Nuns on the Bus” a tour by Catholic nuns
to protest the budget of then-Republican Senator Paul Ryan. When
asked her opinion about making abortion illegal at the time, Campbell
replied, "That's beyond my pay grade. I don't know." She is
the author of the book "A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can
Create Hope, Change, and Community."
Sister Campbell’s invitation to the
events came from Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
GLAAD set to join LGBT Catholic
leaders at White House reception for Pope Francis
By Ross Murray
“The White House has extended an
invitation for GLAAD and LGBT Catholic leaders to attend the White
House reception for Pope Francis. GLAAD's CEO and President Sarah
Kate Ellis and Director of Programs Ross Murray will be representing
the organization at the ceremony which will welcome Pope Francis
before he and President Obama meet privately.
“GLAAD used the invitation to invite
Nicholas Coppola, who wrote a Change.org petition asking Pope Francis
to meet with LGBT Catholics during his upcoming visit to the U.S.
GLAAD worked with Nicholas, a devoted Catholic, out gay man, and
prolific LGBT advocate’
“Also joining Ross and Nicholas, will
be Sister Jeannine Gramick, the co-founder, and Francis DeBernardo,
the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a ministry of advocacy
and justice for LGBT Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger
Christian and civil communities. Jeannine and Francis were two of 28
leaders of Catholic, Latino, and LGBT organizations that signed and
sent a letter to the Pope urging him to meet with LGBT Catholics.”
Pope Francis,
I'd like you to meet a pro-choice nun, a gay bishop and a transgender
woman - the very eclectic guests at White House reception next week
Obamas to Host Pope Francis at White House Sept. 23
March 26, 2015 10:46 AM
So, they’ve been planning this for
a while. One of the articles noted that about 1000 people were
invited to the reception. I can’t wait to see the demographics of
the attendees. I’m guessing Fr. Pavone wasn’t invited. Barbara
Boxer invited one of the heretical sisters, so maybe some number of
invites are provided to congress people. So we’ll see.
Or Sodom, perhaps.
Avoid the Spin During Pope’s Visit
Bishop Paprocki, Al Kresta and
Teresa Tomeo weigh in.
We all could have
done well by taking this advice. Avoid the spin. The pope spoke
several times and his own words are available readily on line. I've
read what he said to Congress, and lo, he didn't stick to liberal or
conservative talking points. He preached the Gospel and the
unchanging Catholic faith.
These
comments from a non-Catholic, politically liberal blogger give some
idea, I think, of what the pope intended in his visit and shed light
on his entire pastoral approach.
“I
am discovering that there are some things I agree with the Pope
on (income
inequality, immigration, climate change, and poverty issues) and many
things I do not (his opposition to same-sex marriage, women priests,
married priests, divorce, birth control and abortion in extenuating
circumstances). But I think the reason I’m drawn to him is
because of his love for humanity, his humility, his compassion, and
his acts of forgiveness. And
I love his kindness. I
like that he is trying to emulate the life of Christ, and even though
we don’t agree on some things, at least we can met on the human
ground of love, humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Just
think how much better the world would be if we all could start
there. Maybe he will help us. Welcome
to America, Pope Francis! “
This is my favorite Pope Francis visit
cartoon so far:
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