How False News Statements Linger On – Influencing How Catholics Voted in Election 2004
As usual, the MSM is doing a lousy job of reporting facts in the matter of Joseph Ratzinger and the US bishops at their USCCB Meeting in Denver, CO – June 2004. [US Conference of Catholic Bishops – USCCB ]
Using small bits of facts, stretching it into a story that can be readily consumed by the agnost, and the reporter at AFP is satisfied to get enough readers who agree and lash out at the person of Joseph Ratzinger and the Catholic Church.
AFP headlines yesterday:
New pope intervened against Kerry in US 2004 election campaign
Just spending some minutes to search for the facts on Internet, leads to a complete opposite view of what happened in Denver …
… and how the MSM and other conservative voices, misinterpret the issue to push forward their own agenda to smear Senator John Kerry as a pro-choice and pro-abortion politician. Any denial of Communion was and is extremely exaggerated, and part of the introduction of fear for the practising Catholics in their voting behavior. The extreme opinion was supported by a very small number of Catholic bishops.
See my earlier comment, on Kerry, Vatican and Abortion and Cardinal Francis Arinze in April 2004. Pro-choice is not the same as free-abortion as a political statement.
On BBC Radio this week, and in the British press, a view on denial of communion to John Kerry, is repeatedly and falsely levied at Joseph Ratzinger. During the election campagne, the media had picked up on some comments from Rome, but mostly carried within the US by several archdiocese. NOT an official statement from the Vatican Office on Doctrine, headed by Ratzinger.
Vatican City – April 23, 2004 — Cardinal Francis Arinze told a Vatican news conference that pro-abortion Catholic politicians such as Mr Kerry were “not fit” to receive communion.
But, across the Atlantic, an unabashed Mr Kerry said women’s rights “are just that: rights, not political weapons”.
The clash has refuelled the fiery debate over abortion in the US. US bishops have discretion in deciding who should receive communion, and several bishops, led by Archbishop Raymond Burke of St Louis, have warned they will not give Mr Kerry communion.
Source: BBC News.
As I recall, the Vatican released a statement that it was not any formal view from within the Holy See. Clearly taking no political position in the run-up to the US election.
Press release Catholics in Political Life – USCCB Meeting held at Denver, CO. – June 21, 2004.
In addition a link to Colorado Matters – Radio interview on July 13, 2004 with Archbishop Charles Chapot. In addition, Chapot speaks on issue of Iraq war and capital punishment.
Interview Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis, the new ‘John Fisher’
DENVER – Aug. 9, 2004 — Archbishop Raymond L. Burke is disappointed that Cardinal McCarrick and Bishop Gregory withheld Cardinal Ratzinger’s Memo at the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishop’s June meeting in Denver.
An activists website:
Women for Faith and Family — Catholics and Political Responsibility
CONCLUSION:
Yes there was a letter send to US Bishops by Joseph Ratzinger, but with NO specifics on denying Senator Kerry Holy Communion, on the contrary. A MEMO, theological letter of guidelines, with judgement to be made by local church authorities within existing Canon Law.
If one believes the conservative website, six extreme conservative Bishops would recommend withholding Communion, but none apparently took that position formally.
If anyone is keeping score, and I am, the tally goes as thus for denying manifest, obstinate, persistent persons in grave sin: Six diocesan heads for denying the Eucharist, 189 diocesan heads against denying.
The six good men are: Burke (St. Louis), Bruskewitz (Lincoln), Vasa (Baker), Donohue (Atlanta), Baker (Charleston), and Jugis (Charlotte).
Registrant of website – Domains By Proxy, Inc. in Arizona.
Vatican City – October 25, 2004 — The questions came at a news conference where Vatican officials presented a 524-page compendium of the Catholic Church’s doctrine on social issues including war and peace, the death penalty, globalization, the free market and workers’ rights.
[…]
When a reporter asked if Catholics could vote for a politician supporting legalized abortion, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the “Holy See never gets involved in electoral or political matters directly.”
Issues at the Conclave and Election of Pope Benedict XVI
Summary after first interview with Cardinal Simonis of the Netherlands —
The topics that were discussed, and of importance in their choice of a new pope:
- spiritual leadership – a scholar in theology
- communicator and listener as Dean of Bishops since 2002
- decentralization and autonomy of local churches
- implementation of synod Vatican Council II
- address the youth in the world
- social justice high on agenda
- wealth of Western world vs poverty in Third World
- war and peace.
I clearly miss the more liberal opinions in the western world: women in the church, sexuality, contraception and birth control.
Pope Benedict XVI will travel to his native Germany in August, to attend the World Youth Conference at Cologne between August 16-23. He will NOT be a globetrotter like JPII due to an ailment, his physician will not allow him to make long intercontinental flights.
As Dean of the College of bishops, Joseph Ratzinger has met his colleagues on many occasions. Many show amazement over his deep knowledge of theology, his ability to listen. On all occasions, Joseph Ratzinger indicates on modern issues, the universal church of the continents has the responsibility to be a teacher for Rome.
On ecumenical cooperation, indications are his ability to work well with the christian orthodox churches, perhaps the discussion with the Protestant Reform churches will be more difficult.
Benedict is the patron saint of Europe.
Rome – December 1984 — The German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Faith, previously the Holy Office, the highest doctrinal authority in the Church, after the Pope, has spoken out strongly against the results of Vatican II. In a long interview conceded to the weekly “Jesus”, he speaks of the urgency of “restoring” the Church, he criticizes the episcopal conferences and the American theologians; he calls some non-christian religions “reigns of terror”. He also warns against the danger of an African council, and admits that a real personal devil exists. These statements by the so-called “gendarm of Pope Wojtyla”, have had a strong impact in the Vatican, especially in the more progressive circles who are inspired by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Casaroli.
*
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The Vatican’s Enforcer of the Faith – Georg Ratzinger
Yahoo News Related to Papacy and the Vatican – Full Coverage
Included link to VIDEO of Joseph Ratzinger and homily for JPII at St. Peter’s Square.
The chosen name is of some importance, as it’s a model for Joseph Ratzinger to follow! Link to comment: Benedict XV – as model for Ratzinger?
LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON THE COLLABORATION OF MEN AND WOMEN
IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD
by DuctapeFatwa with excellent review added by Janet Strange
Just found this site —
News Portal – Catholic Sources in Europe and US
APPENDIX: MUST READ!
Women for Faith and Family — Catholics and Political Responsibility
Registrant of website:
Women for Faith and Family
PO Box 3286
St. Louis, MO 63130
Phone: +1.31486383
Listed as Ave Maria University Florida
Board of Trustees
Mrs. Helen Hull Hitchcock
c/o Adoremus
PO Box 3286
St. Louis, MO 63130
AMU ECCLESIAL ADVISORS
Most Reverend John J. Nevins, D.D.
Bishop of Venice
P.O. Box 2006
Venice, FL 34284
His Eminence Christoph Cardinal Schonborn
Archbishop of Vienna
Rotenturmstrasse 2
Vienna, Austria A-1010
His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze
Congregation for Divine Worship – Palazzo delle Congregazioni
Piazza Pio XII, 10
00120 Città del Vaticano Italy
CONCLUSION:
Apparently in the US Catholic Church there are groups working outside the hierarchy, similar to the NeoCons in the political arena. Perhaps even links with Opus Dei, I haven’t been able to check this out.
Therefore it is most important to verify sources of news items, to see if it has merit, or is for propaganda purpose and another political agenda.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
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The Catholic votes in Election 2004 for GWB – will surely be the first to reverse and return to the Democratic fold in 2006.
Transition to close the gap on fundamentalist views of the evangelicals, is a bridge too far for the Catholic community. So take care of the Catholic voter leading up to mid-term elections of 2006.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
Thanks for the post, highly recommended.
I’m attending World Youth Day in Cologne this August. While Cardinal Ratzinger was my least favorite of the pre-conclave candidates, I’m trying not to get bent out of shape about his selection. For me, a practicing Catholic and proud Democrat, I still have to realize that he is my spiritual leader. I may have to hold my nose on some of his pronouncements, but it’s still my Faith. Thanks again for the post.
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Traveling to Cologne, must visit the Cathedral in the city, with the unique bell called the “Bombardon” because of its tremendous sound. Probably will not be rung due to risk of damage to towers.
[website cached version – great photo’s]
Tonight a visit by Dutch TV reporter to hometown of Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl am Inn, interviews with his student friends at the minor seminary during the war and ordained priest at the same time. Very moving and original footage before the MSM fabricate their own story as the British boulevard press seems to be doing.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
It was in Dutch, actually. But maybe you linked to the wrong story? The one that comes up when you click on this link was mostly interviews with locals talking about the media circus that’s hit their town since the Pope’s election.
I was actually more impressed by one of the “top three” videos that appear to the right on this page. “Paus niet populair med Nederlands jongeren” [Pope not popular with Netherlands youth] amazingly turned out to be a story not about Benedict XVI but, rather, John Paul II! It contrasted mourning Italian kids with mostly apathetic and/or outrightly rejecting Dutch youth. Hard to imagine US Corporate Media allowing a story like that on the air.
And thank you for posting that incredible picture. What an impressive pile of rock! Strikes me as symbolic of the awesome power of the Church: however one feels about it, you have to admit it’s formdidable!
I remember I was in Austria when Schoenborn became cardinal, there was a collective groan at how conservative this guy is, though charismatic enough for people not to run away in droves. I find it interesting that from across the Atlantic he is considered liberal. I would say he is as conservative as the last pope and this was why he was selected. I think the ultimate choice for the church is going to be what they will leave behind them: Opus Dei or the liberal Catholics. I don’t think Ratzinger has the charisma to stay on course without heavy losses. On the other hand his reign may not be long enough to do much damage.
Sorry I stray, the whole point about being Catholic is that you are to be forgiven for your sins – which generally applies to the masses (it’s a benevolent God – not the Protestant hellfire and damnation). It would be more likely if even more extreme elements take over that they would start excommunicating the opposing clergy first.
Ratzinger did write a memo to American Bishops regarding withholding communion but he did not mention Kerry’s name.
From the memo written July 2004
Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with
him, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end
the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.
http://tinyurl.com/dpckq
Given the timing, I’d guess he was referring to Senator Kerry.
Cardinal Ratzinger wholly approves of Opus Dei.
Here is his speech at Opus Dei.
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This is the letter referred to in my diary and apparently was withheld at the USCCB meeting in Denver. The subject matter had been in discussion since 2003, a committee was formed to prepare an Ecclesiastical paper and was voted on in Denver. See my links in diary.
Most right-wing bishops weren’t satisfied and pushed their own “political” agenda between June and the elections in November. They also had problems with Ratzinger’s last part of the MEMO:
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
That addendum was on the link I provided too. I can’t understand it – must be a bad translation or Canon Law speak.
“presence proportionate reasons” What?
The way I took it was:
“If you voted for Kerry because ‘pro-choice’ is your primary issue, you are in cahoots with Evil and you should not receive communion. But if you voted for Kerry because of his positions on social justice and the death penalty, and could not bring yourself to vote for Bush because of his bad positions on the same, you’re okay.”
Basically, you could ask yourself: in a hypothetical presidential race between an antiabortion (but progressive) Democrat like [https:/ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/bio?id=340 Jim Oberstar] and a prochoice (but fascist) Republican like Rudy Giuliani, would you stick with the Democrat or jump ship to the Republican? Most of us would stay on the Democratic side, but you do see (at least on dKos) a fair number of women who describe themselves as one-issue prochoice voters, who presumably would bolt to Giuliani in such a race. And if they were Catholic, according to this addendum, they would in doing so show themselves unfit to receive communion.
Alan
Maverick Leftist
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In Europe you have a left-wing oriented liberal party which runs on a platform to provide free-abortion to any woman who requests it. “A pregnancy interferes with a planned vacation.” When a “catholic” candidate would run on such a party platform, the abortion issue becomes a major portion.
Not in the case of John Kerry, where the Democratic platform om domestic and international issues dominate his political agenda. Therefore the pro-choice view of Kerry cannot lead to a discussion that Catholics could not vote for him. Ratzinger made that clear in his MEMO to US cardinals, although there was never any intent to discuss particular candidates.
The right-wing group hijacked the issue to smear Kerry as presidential nominee. That’s why I found the remarks of Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria in April 2004 remarkable, until I found his name among the extreme right-wing group within the US!
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
Thank you.
Overall, it means interference in the 2004 US presidential election by the Vatican and Catholic Bishops in the USA.
but after three comments, start off diary topic debate and the regular catholic “criticism” – so I gave up!
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Sorry – boulevard press
Don’t join the British medieval papal bashing – poor taste –
Tabloid war! Bild blasts
Brit Benedict barbs
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
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Survived onslaught after posting on Saturday at early hours. I am understanding the dKos drive and community less every time I return to publish a diary – on any topic. Seems the kossacks are eating their own since the election was lost.
FOR COMPLETE STORY:
Ratzinger Innuendo – Not Based on Facts!
by Oui Sat Apr 23rd, 2005
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
Think you’re making too much of this. The British have a long history of reveling in tasteless attacks on the Church and “papists.” It’s one way British culture continues to be starkly different from American. Can you imagine what would happen if the NY Post ran a headline like this?
I think we on the Left are only now beginning to work out an effective stance for battling the Religious Right (which is Protestant to the core) and the Catholic Right. In the U.S., at least, our problem isn’t that we’re alienating religious people by being disrespectful of their beliefs, but rather that we too often take the default American cultural position that religion is “good” and religious leaders are always worthy of our respect. Whether we like it or not, we have in fact “established” religion and religious leaders as somehow apart from and above our normal (and healthy!) democratic squabbling.
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Personally do not recognize the “American cultural” attitude toward individual clergy in the CC.
Family roots in the Netherlands with a “devout” grandma in her beliefs. The Catholic grade schools in The Hague were somewhat elite where prayers more pronounced in French, a relic from a brief occupation early 19th century by Napoleon. The school however, was open for all classes of society from the poor to the rich. When my grandma observed a nun discriminating a girl for her being low-born, she took the nun aside and scolded her for such behavior, not beholding for a Christian person. That was in the year 1920!
In my own youth in St. Louis county late fifties, I played soccer instead of baseball during the midday break. It didn’t take long, the nuns of the grade school wanted to learn the game, and my brother and I did teach the nuns the game in a matter of weeks. That was great fun.
Respect must always be earned by persons who claim authority. The German culture may be different, where in everyday life a formal respect is shown to everyone with authority, especially in business relations with your superiors. The college and university titles are minutely specified in all correspondence. The Dutch were rather casual, so their letters would be forwarded to all persons with title “gentlemen”. The secretary of a German manager “Herr Dr. Ing.” would object and return the letter for correction. Our reply was standard: “Is herr Schneider not a gentleman?”
I have been living outside the States for more than a decade now, and would be surprised if in all American diocese a great change in Catholic teaching would have taken place. In the Netherlands, there is a strong Protestant culture of Calvin origin, where Sunday observance had been mandatory, also for the Catholic part of the population. In St. Louis county, the rural area, when traveling to Sunday Mass, the Irish pastor would greet the parishioners while mowing the lawn! It’s all in one’s perspective, customs and culture, how the relationship is with your religious leaders. I do think when you are active in community life, there usually are less thresholds.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
By “default” attitude I meant the general reverence Americans have for religion and for religious leaders (as long as they’re not Moslem), whether they deserve it or not. In particular, I mean the American media, where there seems to be a belief that any politician who prays in public just HAS to be a good person, despite proof, again and again and throughout American history, that public figures who wear their religion on their sleeves are the MOST likely to end their careers in disgrace, if not in prison!
I’m also not getting the point you’re trying to make about Catholic clergy. My Catholic upbringing (I attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade) taught me that you respect priests and nuns by virtue of the fact that they are priests and nuns, no matter what they might be as persons. Thus even after my high school principal, a priest, was fired and sent to a home for wayward priests as “punishment” for trying to rape a freshman boy, we STILL were told that we had to “respect” and “honor” him. (I bring him up only as an extreme example — 95% of the priests and nuns I was exposed to as a child were delightful, charming and “loving” in the most positive sense of the word).
Actually, I think you feel all this deep inside, perhaps without being conscious of it, just from the examples you give. Why were you so impressed by nuns playing soccer (my nuns were incredible at basketball, even in their long pre-Vatican II habits!) or a priest mowing the lawn? Would you have been struck by their “egalitarian” behavior if you hadn’t been predisposed to think of them as somehow above the activities of “ordinary” human beings?
A personal story: I once went for an appointment with a prospective psychotherapist. Our first meeting went very well and I was about to “sign up” when, at the end of the session, he revealed that he was an ordained Catholic priest. At first I thought that didn’t make any difference — his being a good therapist was all that counted — but on my way home as I started thinking about what I was going to say to him in my next session, I suddenly realized that I was framing everything like Confession! “Father, since our last session I have …” Just the fact that he was now “Father” and not Mr. something-or-other put him on a higher, more august level. In fairness to him, I recognize that this perception was mine, not his, but I also knew that trying to “get over” this, after my cultural upbringing, was way more trouble than it was worth. I chose a different, 100%^ secular therapist.
When that is your perception, you are right in choice.
My personal perception of clergy may have been influenced by Jesuit education and three uncles ordained to priest- and brotherhood. The Jesuit college education groomed the student to be a critical and independent thinker.
Having lived through the Nixon “indictment” as President, at that moment American society lost most respect and confidence in the American icon of the Presidency — near infallibility and belief.
I try not to judge persons, but in a responsible position someone has to meet those high standards in society, or else MOVE. Forgive is divine, but to forget is irresponsible.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité