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archbishop wuerl’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS CANON 915 In the May 1^st edition of the Catholic Standard, Archbishop Wuerl reiterates his erroneous attitude towards Canon 915. Read here. (Please keep this window open as we will be referring to the article throughout this analysis.) To understand this article, some background information is necessary. During the April 1008 visit by Pope Benedict XVI, a number of “Catholic” pro-abortion politicians received Holy Communion. A careful reading of those accounts reveals that such was done out of view of the Holy Father; he simply couldn’t see what was going on. Was that by design? Hmmm.

One of those so receiving was Rudy Giuliani. To his credit, Cardinal Egan of New York rebuked Giuliani by name for his utter defiance. Immediately, conservative Catholic internet newswires commented on this, and openly wondered whether Archbishop Wuerl would follow suit, now that Egan raised the bar. They lauded Egan’s “courage”. We for one won’t go so far – yet! Why? Giuliani will most likely hold the Cardinal’s rebuke in disdain. The question now is, what real consequences will the Cardinal impose upon Giuliani? One real bar-raiser, in our opinion, is Bishop Burke of St Louis who excommunicated the women-priestess-wannabees and suspended a disobedient parish. Now there’s a bishop! Still, for Cardinal Egan, this rebuke of his does mark real progress. There does seem to be some growth in comprehension. That is commendable, and we hope and pray for God’s grace for him to follow through, should such action be rendered necessary by Giuliani’s expected disregard.

At any rate, Catholic internet sites are comparing the actions of Cardinal Egan with the non-action of Archbishop Wuerl. Read some here and here. As you can see, there was much speculation about if and how Wuerl would respond. For the worse, Wuerl ended that speculation. Read below why we believe his so-called “Reflection Again on Faith and Public Life” is a travesty.

He starts his article by asking “have we not been down this road many, many times before?” Well, yes we have – by sheer necessity. That necessity is occasioned by disdain for Canon 915. In the piece below (about the Washington Times interview) we quoted Canon 915 in its entirety; for convenience, we have emboldened it. We want to point out to His Excellency that we too are tired of rehashing Church teachings. However, our concern for its integrity, as well as the salvation of souls, impels us to broach this matter once again. We will continue to do so as long as ecclesial disregard for Church teaching renders such necessary. In other words, we’re not going away!

After touting the Rally for Life that the Archdiocese sponsors on the day of the March for Life, the Archbishop delves into the meat of his missive, that is, why he thinks it is acceptable to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to pro-abort politicians in the Archdiocese of Washington. To start, let’s look at Canon 915 (below). Certainly we can agree that those pro-abortion politicians, by their various votes to facilitate baby-murder and other ongoing support of the same, are examples of those who “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin.” Notice what follows. They “are not to be admitted to holy communion.” It does not say “should not be admitted”, but rather “are not to be admitted”. If the first phrase, rather than the second, was the one found in Canon 915, we’d agree that such constitutes an option to deny Holy Communion. However, we do not have the suggestive, but rather the imperative voice in operation in Canon 915. In short, Canon 915 mandates that pro-abortion politicians be denied Holy Communion. The language is quite crystal-clear on the matter.

He then hearkens back to the June 2004 bishops’ meeting. He quotes the conclusion of that meeting, that is, the individual bishops have discretion within their own dioceses. Right there, that’s blatant disregard for Canon 915, for that canon does not admit of an option in the matter of denying Holy Communion to pro-aborts. But wait! There’s more! We need to blow the dust off our recollections of that infamous meeting, and recall the outright subterfuge that occurred, that most likely induced some misguided bishops to arrive at that erroneous confusion. Not only were they misguided, but downright deceived. To be fair to the current Washington Archbishop, there is no evidence that he concurred in, or was even aware of, the deception. No, that honor may very well belong to his predecessor, Cardinal McCarrick. Read this account. On the occasion of that meeting, then-Cardinal Ratzinger (now the Holy Father) sent to the conference a letter stating that if someone such as a pro-abortion politician presented him/herself for communion, then “the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it.” Cardinal McCarrick, the head of the task force working on the question of Holy Communion for pro-aborts, did not divulge the full contents of the future Holy Father’s letter to the other bishops. Thus, they arrived at their vote based on deliberately-obfuscated guidance. Since that meeting, this concealment on the part of McCarrick has been broadcast far and wide. Surely the current archbishop is aware of that fiasco – especially since both Wuerl and McCarrick reside within the Archdiocese of Washington! Why, oh why, did not Archbishop Wuerl make mention of that in this Standard column??

Moving on, we see that the archbishop says “a decision regarding the refusal of Holy Communion to an individual is one that should be made only after clear efforts to persuade and convince the person that their actions are wrong and bear moral consequences”. For heaven’s sake! This matter has been bandied about for years, now! During all these many years, have not the bishops of these politicians yet fulfilled their solemn, God-given duty in teaching and rebuking these individuals? If not – why on earth are they waiting? However, not even that is an excuse! Given the high-profile nature of this discussion, these politicians cannot possibly claim that they are ignorant that they cannot support abortion and receive Holy Communion, without committing yet another mortal sin, namely sacrilege. They know very well what they are doing; that’s why they were so careful not to receive during the papal Mass in view of the Pope. They’re simply sticking their fingers in the eyes of faithful Catholics while piling upon their souls one mortal sin after another. In addition to giving cause for great scandal, they jeopardize their own eternal salvations; yet the great majority of our U.S. bishops (with the notable exceptions of a courageous few) frankly don’t give a damn. Their wealth, influence, comfort and prestige blinds them to their spiritual duties.

His next sentence is “presumably this is done in the home diocese where the bishops and priests, the pastors of souls, engage the members of their flock in this type of discussion. In the case of public figures who serve in Washington as representatives of other parts of the nation, this dialogue and any decisions would take place within their home diocese.” What’s that? “Presumably”, he says??? In regards to such a crucial matter, presumption is not acceptable. This is nothing more than a feeble attempt to “pass the buck”, as it were. We do not doubt that the home bishops of these politicians have responsibility in this matter, but that does not let the Archbishop of Washington off the hook. Consider.. These politicians – the Federal ones, that is – are casting their murder-facilitating votes in ____________ . Fill in the blank! Yep! The dirty deeds, the mortal sins of formal, material cooperation with abortion, are being committed in Washington, DC! There aint no avoiding that! Moreover, in discussing the sacrilegious Holy Communions at the papal Mass, we are talking of events occurring within the Archdiocese of Washington. Clearly Archbishop Wuerl must speak regarding sins committed within his archdiocese. That is his clear obligation. Why is he trying to “pass the buck”?

Let’s all make clear to the archbishop our profound disappointment in this shirking of responsibility. Perhaps a diversion of funds from the Archbishop’s Appeal to another worthwhile charity might be in order, as well. We also need to make clear to the Vatican our distress over this continued disobedience and scandal being force-fed to the faithful Catholics in this manner. A friend of ours has suggested an excellent manner to communicate with His Holiness. Click here to learn more.

archbishop wuerl’S WASHINGTON TIMES INTERVIEW This interview appeared on the front page of the March 14, 2008 edition. He is asked a number of questions. Some of these received some rather strange answers. He was asked to comment about the efforts of Prince William County in Virginia to deal with the illegal immigrants. He gave an answer that very deftly obfuscated the real problem. He answered, “..do we round up all 10 to 12 million people simply because they’re here and deport them?” No, no, the issue is not “simply because they’re here”; rather it’s because they’re here illegally! Ladies and gentlemen – and Your Excellency – that is a critical distinction, and the omission of that distinction is disingenuous. Now consider. What, among other things, makes the United States of America a desired venue? Is it not the opportunity and fairness of our system? One buttress of that fairness is that we are a nation of laws. Those laws must be obeyed for the good of all. We wonder if the Casa-types have ever considered that the flouting of our immigration laws is patently unfair to those immigrants who do respect our laws and have been conscientious and honorable enough to emigrate via the proper channels, and that such flouting compromises the underpinnings that make possible the opportunities offered by the USA? Or do these details never enter into their strange considerations?

Let’s move onto another question – this one about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. When asked about that, the archbishop starts rambling on about excommunication. We do notice that not one word was mentioned about the denial of Holy Communion to these individuals: in other words, the enforcement of Canon 915. Click here to see the entire code. Canon 915 is short enough, so we’ll quote it right here: “Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion.” Will any sane person deny that the blatant support of mass baby-killing is “manifest grave sin”? It doesn’t take a theological genius to see that the enforcement of Canon 915 is not an option in the case of the pro-abort politicians. Are we as a church so desirous of powerful and wealthy worldly contacts that we’ll literally sell our corporate soul, not to mention the blood of aborted babies? Actually, Cardinal McCarrick answered that question already; go to the “McCarrick watch” page and look at the second item.

ARchbishop wuerl hindering summorum pontificum? First, let’s examine the document itself and the Holy Father’s accompanying letter to the bishops. Article 2 makes quite clear that the permission of the local ordinary for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass is NOT required! However, the current Archbishop of Washington doesn’t seem to understand that point, judging from a letter that he sent in January 1008. See here for details on that letter. What part of “the priest has no need for permission from the Apostolic See or from his Ordinary” is confusing to so many prelates?

DIGNITY MASSES IN DC AND ARLINGTON VA DIOCESES? It’s right here on the Dignity/Washington website. At least the two locations are not Catholic churches. They’re Episcopal. We suppose this is par for the course for them these days. However, are these Masses being celebrated by duly ordained Catholic priests? If so, the two diocesan bishops must discipline them. We must point out also, that Archbishop Wuerl did allow Dignity masses when he was the Pittsburgh bishop. This would be one time that it would be preferable for some woman-priestess-wannabe to be “presiding”; at least the Eucharist wouldn’t be desecrated.

STONE RIDGE SUPPORTS GAY LIFESTYLE Gay apologists will be foisting their 12^th Day of Silence upon our schools. Read the pro-gay yarn here. Then read some truth about this propaganda/debacle. Scroll down the Mission America page and you’ll see a list of participating schools by state. Go down the Maryland list and notice that Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is listed therein. We’re saddened by this; what sadder still is that we’re NOT surprised! Read the letter to Cardinal McCarrick that we wrote to him in 2004; you’ll see our 5^th point to him that dictates the action we took when Kathleen Kennedy Townsend gave a commencement address there. The very next year, Sandra Day O’Connor was so honored. If your daughters attend Stone Ridge, or if any of your acquaintances do, please advise them of this pernicious event that will occur. Make your protests to Stone Ridge known now! Go to their website for various officials and contact information.

MARXISM AT MARYLAND CATHOLIC CONFERENCE? This grim possibility occurred to us when their latest published statement appeared in the Catholic Standard. Click here for a link to the MCC’s “Statement on Taxation” and an explanation of why we believe this document bodes ill for American Catholic “social justice” thought, as opposed to social teaching put forth by the Successors of Peter.

Shortly after we originally posted this expose of faulty social teaching, our colleagues in Orlando Florida, “The Orlando Truth”, released their newsletter (March/April 2008). The lead article therein confirms and crystallizes our concerns. With their kind permission, we make that article available to you here. The first two sections are very apropos to our situation, even though this is primarily intended for Florida residents. We changed the color in one sentence to red. As you read that sentence, consider this: when we ascribe to the state the authority as “chief provider”, we also ascribe to it the power over life and death of the people under its purview. In short, the bestowal of this immense authority upon the state is nothing less than an invitation for the state to usher in the godless Culture of Death. Now remember – the MCC’s document declares that the state is to provide for the needs of all! Do we now see how utterly deadly is this “Statement on Taxation”?

OPEN IDOLATRY AT SHRINE OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION This occurred on November 13, 2007. The occasion was the “28^th Annual Interfaith Concert: A Celebration of the Sacred in Song, Dance and Chant.” This took place in the Upper Church – right on the altar! Anyone who has been to the Shrine will recall the large mosaic of Our Lord in Judgment. He looks rather stern and – dare I say it? – Judgmental! It was very appropriate; sadly, not too many people in attendance recognized that. Underneath Our Lord’s stare, Hindus, Sikhs and Moslems prayed to their own false gods – right in front of the altar. Click here to see the letter that we wrote to the Shrine rector. Note that in the letter we referred to an enclosed copy of the concert program. After mailing it, we realized we forgot to enclose the pertinent pages. No problem! They are right here!

Please write to the rector yourselves. See the letter for the address – or email him! Sin against the First Commandment was committed on that evening. The pagans of the false creeds were ill-served by the pandering and terrible example presented by Shrine personnel and clergy.

UNDER ARCHBISHOP WUERL, HOLY COMMUNION WILL REMAIN VULNERABLE TO DESECRATION The article below details how the Archbishop was silent as Nancy Pelosi, unrepentant in her pro-abortion stance, sacrilegiously received Holy Communion. Our colleagues at California Catholic Daily interviewed the archbishop shortly after that occasion. Read it here. Also read here what Father Neuhaus has to say about this dismal state of affairs.

PELOSI COMMITS SACRILEGE TRINITY COLLEGE MASS ON JAN 3, 2007 – aRCHBISHOP wUERL NON-RESPONSIVE We published the announcement below, attempting to prevent the anticipated bestowal of Holy Communion to a publicly dissident Catholic who has used her position to support baby-murder, and who has in effect pledged to continue to do so. We sent our letter to Archbishop Wuerl on December 26, 2006 via Certified Mail. The return receipt indicates that the chancery received it on December 29^th. We received no reply (which is, sadly, no surprise). Others contacted the chancery and received the lame, cop-out canard that “the archdiocese has nothing to say”. Owing to the local bishop’s responsibility for all that occurs in his see, such an excuse is a lie. Now we must let the archbishop know, respectfully but in no uncertain terms, our displeasure. He can be contacted at the below address or at chancery@adw.org.

To aid in your communications, we provide the following points that you may wish to include.

1) Point out that he has a pastoral concern for Ms. Pelosi’s soul while she resides in this archdiocese during the congressional session

2) Point out that he, through his silence, has allowed Ms. Pelosi to incur the guilt of a sacrilegious Communion, which is itself a mortal sin

3) Point out that he has provided scandal to the faithful at large through his apparent indifference to the Eucharist

4) Point out that Canon 915 mandates (not suggests) the correct stance in such matters as directed by the Holy See

5) Point out that your contribution dollars may shrink as a result of his spinelessness (sadly, this may be the only thing that catches his attention)

6) The president of Trinity College acknowledges the receipt of criticism of Trinity’s bestowal of honor upon Pelosi. Click here to add yours.

Will the chancery like us as a result? Of course not. However, we are the Church Militant, not the Church Mellow nor the Church Milquetoast. We’re not put on earth to be liked, but to be obedient to Our Lord. By the way – there were Christian stalwarts who spoke the truth during Pelosi’s grandstanding in early January. Go to www.prolifenews.tv to see more.

To contact His Excellency Archbishop Donald Wuerl:

P.O. Box 29260
Washington, DC
20017-0260 USA

Phone: 301-853-4500

PELOSI TO ATTEND TRINITY COLLEGE MASS ON JAN 3, 2007 The below article is from Lifesitenews.com.  Some points to consider:

Bishop Wuerl, up until now (at least to the best of my knowlege) has not had occasion to make his attitudes on such matters explicit since he came to Washington.  Perhaps we can get him properly acquainted with some of us who are not afraid to make our voices heard.

As far as ettiquette goes, "Your Eminence" is not a proper salutation for him, as that is reserved for cardinals.  "Your Excellency" is appropriate.  If you send "snail-mail", I recommend that you send it via certified mail with return receipt requested.

Also, please go to the Trinity website, www.trinitydc.edu, and see how they chortle not only about Pelosi, but also about Kathleen Sebelius, governor of Kansas.  She's equally pro-abortion and has aided and abetted notorious third-trimester abortionist George Tiller, aka "Tiller the Killer", who operates out of Wichita.  Please contact Trinity; certainly you should go after the president and the public relations people.  Contact info is on the website.

Please check back here for updates. And now, the article..

Will New Archbishop of Washington Deny Pro-Abort Nancy Pelosi Communion at Jan. 3 Showcase Mass?

Pelosi scheduled to attend Mass at Trinity College in Washington as endorsement of alma mater and her Catholic faith

By John Jalsevac

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - As Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—a pro-abortion legislator who claims to be a practicing Catholic—prepares to celebrate her new role as House Speaker-elect, she also plans on airing her purported faith during an upcoming public Mass. On Jan. 3, Rep. Pelosi is scheduled to attend Mass at Trinity College in Washington as an endorsement of her alma mater and her Catholic faith.

In response to the announcement, however, American Life League has implored Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. to intervene in an effort to prevent Pelosi from using the Mass for political gain.

The former Washington Archbishop, Theodore McCarrick, consistently refused to take any disciplinary action—even the most basic of refusing Holy Communion—against Catholic politicians who persistently and publicly espoused views that seriously contradict Catholic teaching. The current Archbishop, Donald Wuerl, who was installed in June of this year, has not yet indicated how he will deal with such renegade Catholic politicians. Pelosi’s attendance at the Trinity College Mass will be a test-case for Wuerl on the issue.   

"Rep. Pelosi has been unwavering in her support for abortion and is downright defiant toward the Church's teachings on the sanctity of human life," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League.

Brown has written to Archbishop Wuerl requesting that he do all in his power to stop the event. "Rep. Pelosi has a tremendous opportunity to make a difference for all human beings as the most powerful Catholic in Congress," said Brown. "Unfortunately, she continually supports the very act that destroys life rather than protects it. It is for this reason that a Catholic institution should not condone or support her position as a legislator."

American Life League and other conservative and Catholic organizations in the United States have consistently urged Catholic bishops to uphold Church teaching by denying Holy Communion to public figures who persistently condone the crime of abortion. Catholics believe that it is sacrilegious for someone in a state of serious sin—such as the public supporting of abortion—to receive the Eucharist.

In the past Pelosi has announced her intent to continue receiving Holy Communion, despite her pro-abortion views.

"Allowing Rep. Pelosi to receive honor at a Catholic college sends mixed signals about what the Catholic Church teaches," said Brown. "The bottom line is, abortion kills a living human being created in the image and likeness of God and is therefore always wrong. Because of this truth, it is unconscionable for Rep. Pelosi to call herself a Catholic in good standing while supporting the heinous act of abortion. We are hopeful that Archbishop Wuerl will intercede in this situation and prevent Rep. Pelosi from adding to an ongoing scandal."

"It is shameful that Trinity College, a supposedly Catholic institution, has turned a blind eye to the heretical views Pelosi embraces."

The office of the Archbishop of Washington was unable to provide any statement from the Archbishop for LifeSiteNews.com by press deadline.

To respectfully contact His Eminence Archbishop Donald Wuerl:

P.O. Box 29260
Washington, DC
20017-0260 USA

Phone: 301-853-4500

(End article)

SPEAKER SCANDAL AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA On September 14, 2006, Robert Casey Jr. gave a prestigious lecture at CUA’s Columbus School of Law. Casey Jr is a candidate for US Senate from Pennsylvania. Although a Catholic, Casey Jr espouses positions at variance with the Magisterium in regards to contraception and “gay rights”. Many suspect that this invitation is a thinly-disguised endorsement of Casey Jr over Rick Santorum. Santorum, in the opinion of many faithful Catholics, embraces Catholicism much more fully than his opponent. Here is the press release that was on the CUA website. It seems at least reasonable to interpret this as an endorsement. Interestingly enough, the press release was pulled from the site after a faithful Catholic informed CUA of his intention to report this violation of IRS non-profit code to the IRS.

Unfortunately, we learned of this talk only a day before by reading this article from the Washington Times. We didn’t have time to organize a public protest at the talk. However, there is still much that can be done. This talk occurred at the invitation of the Law School Dean, Ms. Veryl Miles; moreover, it occurred with the full consent of CUA President Fr. David O’Connell. Below is contact information for these individuals, as well as for Archbishop Wuerl, who is chancellor of CUA, and Bishop Lori of Bridgeport, CT, who is Chairman of the CUA Board of Trustees.

Fr David O'Connell   phone 202-319-5100  email president@cua.edu

Ms. Veryl Miles  phone 202-319-5625  email miles@cua.edu

Also, the CUA public affairs office, as cited in the release cua-public-affairs@cua.edu

Archbishop Wuerl email chancery@adw.org

Bishop Lori phone 203-416-1364 email bishopsoffice@dpt.org

In addition to communicating with the above individuals, let’s take advantage of the fact that this weekend’s (Sept 16/17) second collection is for the benefit of CUA. We believe this is God’s providence in allowing us this opportunity to exercise some Spiritual Works of Mercy (admonish the sinner, counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant). You may wish to drop a note in that envelope explaining why you are not giving them money. We have developed this as a possible stuffer for that envelope. Please feel free to use it as you deem best (copying the flyer, borrowing points for your own note, etc).

We have yet another means to deal with the debacle of Sept 14^th. As stated above, individuals are reporting this blatant non-profit violation to the IRS. The proper vehicle for doing so is IRS Form 3949A. Click here for the form. We have completed the name, address and EIN of CUA; please complete the rest of the form in your own words and submit it per the instructions.

As stated before, we learned of this too late to initiate any public protest. In the future, if you learn of anything similar, please notify us at alerts@restore-dc-catholicism.com. YOU are our eyes and ears!

ADW Priest Punished for Speaking On the Gay-Priest Scandal On the front page of the April 27^th edition of the Washington Post appeared an article regarding Rev. James Moran, former chaplain of the Washington Hospital Center. He revealed that while he was in the seminary, he was raped by a gay priest. He told his then-superiors, including Cardinal Law. He was offered counseling and a financial settlement, but refused it. The gay-rapist priest is still alive; although retired, he is facing charges of raping an 8-year-old and a mentally-retarded person over the past several years.

During this past Holy Week, at Mass for hospital staffers and patients’ relatives, he related his story, handing them a sheet that went into more detail. He spoke out against the hierarchy that has white-washed the problem of gay priest-abusers over the years. Although he was due to retire in two months, the Archdiocese of Washington contacted him the day after that Mass and told him that his priestly credentials were immediately revoked. The Washington Post article can be found at this link. The link also includes a pdf file of his handout to the Mass attendees.

We share Father Moran’s belief that he’s being unjustly punished for speaking out. He was due to retire in a few weeks anyway; why did the chancery deem it necessary to revoke his faculties? Supposedly they said Father’s actions were “inappropriate”. We find that odd, given Father Peter Daly’s recent comments in the Catholic Standard (click here for details). If Father Daly can arbitrarily vilify good people because their opinions differ from his, and get away with it, why is Father Moran being punished for speaking the truth? Is it because Father Daly is voicing an opinion deemed by the chancery to be “politically correct” (even though patently unjust), while Father Moran’s rebuke of the Church hierarchy hits just a little too close to home? Hmmm????

Please contact the chancery and speak out for this priest!

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA’S GRAND JURY REPORT ON SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS BY CLERGY was released on September 21, 2005. In that report, many acts of rape and perversion, committed by those ordained to be alter Christi , are described in very explicit detail. We do urge you to read it. Yes, it is graphic. Yes, it is hideous to view. But please bear in mind that those young boys experienced that horror beyond description. Read it for their sakes, to fully appreciate the filth and degradation that has polluted our clergy. The source of this cancer is two-fold: 1) dissent from the Magisterium, both in teaching and liturgy and 2) homosexual behavior. We do suggest that you not allow children to view it, because of its horrific content. Then alert your friends and resolve to fight this deadly encroachment before more young lives are destroyed. The report can be found on the Philadelphia District Attorney’s web page at: http://www.philadelphiadistrictattorney.com/pages/1/index.htm. Several pdf files comprise this report; it may take some considerable time to download, but it would be worthwhile. The main report is the “Grand Jury Report” pdf. If you open that file up, point “Acrobat” to page 45 (it will say “page 40” in the text itself). Look at the top paragraph, and note the incident that took place in Rockville MD! Yes! The Archdiocese of Philadelphia relied upon the Archdiocese of Washington “to keep the police from taking action”! In all fairness to Cardinal McCarrick, that did occur under the late Cardinal Hickey’s watch. Nonetheless, it’s still nauseating.

We understand that many good people take umbrage at the investigation itself. Among them is William Donohue of Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. They cite that clergy of other denominations were not subjected to this investigation, even though there were allegedly molesters amongst them. In making this complaint about “selecting one institution out of many”, Mr. Donohue forgets two key facts. First, not only are individual acts of rape being investigated, but also the organized and protracted cover-up of these crimes on the part of the bishops by moving the perpetrators from parish to parish. We might want to remember what caused Richard Nixon’s downfall in the 1970’s. It wasn’t so much the break-in at the Watergate, but the subsequent cover-up and obfuscation that destroyed his presidency. The second fact is even more crucial. We, as Catholics, should not complain that we seem held to a higher standard. Ladies and gentlemen, such higher expectations (regardless of motives) ARE CORRECT!!! The “big bad media” actually have it right when they hold us to higher expectations of moral behavior. Face it! We are the Roman Catholic Church. We have the Sacraments. We have the fullness of the Deposit of Faith! We have the Magisterium and Sacred Tradition. We have so much more than all the other denominations combined. Is it any wonder that Our Lord demands more of us than He does the Episcopalians, Baptists, Jews, etc? Let’s act like mature adults and stop the insipid whining and sniveling. Let’s take our lumps in all humility, and in repentance, purge the evil from our own midst.

VATICAN DOCUMENT ON HOMOSEXUALS AND THE PRIESTHOOD The Vatican released the long-awaited document on homosexuals and the priesthood. Sadly, and as expected, bishops and cardinals started adding their own spins and interpretations to it. Cardinal McCarrick stated that “it is important to look at the whole person” when assessing candidates. However, the document makes quite clear that the presence of specific traits in a candidate mandate his disqualification. Those traits are: 1) the practice of homosexuality, 2) deep-seated homosexual tendencies and 3) support of the “gay culture”. The Vatican is quite clear on this - “whole person” gobbly-goop notwithstanding!

ALLEGED ABUSE AT MOTHER SETON PARISH IN GERMANTOWN A former altar boy has filed suit, alleging abuse committed against him between 2001 and 2002. The parishioners were not informed until November 2005 that an investigation had started in 2003. It is our understanding that the Archdiocese of Washington is a defendant in that lawsuit. While we don’t pretend to know who is right and wrong here, we are troubled by such a local manifestation of this unhealthy cover-up and obfuscation of these circumstances. We first learned of this case from this Gazette article. We have since learned from this that the scope of the investigation has widened.

“LACK-BACK BISHOPS” MOVIE REVIEW Most of us have heard of “Brokeback Mountain”, a movie that glorifies sodomy and adultery while trivializing the pain inflicted upon the innocent family members of those committing the abominations. Apparently the film is well-crafted, with music and scenery utilized to induce the unsuspecting viewer to suspend his/her rational processes to swallow the siren call of the gay propagandists. These tactics seem to have been successful with the individual who reviewed the movie for the USCCB. The text of their review is here. Please read it yourselves; it’s unbelievable how this reviewer waxes lyrical over this tripe, calling it a “serious contemplation on loneliness and connection”. The review does acknowledge that “The Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality is unambiguous. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered" and the inclination itself is “objectively disordered.” At the same time, homosexually inclined persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” (#2357 and #2358).” Obviously, he/she is confusing respect of the person with sympathy for their destructive sin. He/she goes on to say that “What gives the film its power is the vividness with which it tells the story of an unresolved (albeit objectively immoral) relationship.” Oh, really now! Could you imagine these people gushing over Adolph Hitler’s skill with words (No one can doubt that Hitler was an eloquent speaker)? Of course not! Moreover, the reviewer wrote, “While the actions taken by Ennis and Jack cannot be endorsed, the universal themes of love and loss ring true.” That ridiculous! Ennis and Jack displayed absolutely no love when one uses the word “love” correctly. Clearly they lusted after one another, but they showed no concern for their own, or each other’s, immortal souls. They certainly showed no love to their families, who had first claims on their love. This reviewer is clearly befuddled by the emotional impact of this film. But at least they gave the film an “O” rating (for morally offensive). No they didn’t – at least not originally. They had given it an “L” rating (limited adult audience). It wasn’t until several pro-life and pro-family groups criticized the USCCB on their websites that they changed their rating; in other words, the USCCB had to be shamed into issuing an appropriate rating to this sinful propaganda. This reviewer really should be fired, and moreover, the USCCB is in clear need of a general housecleaning, as evidenced by this drivel emanating from them.

BISHOPS AND DEATH PENALTY The USCCB, at their semi-annual meeting in November 2005, focused on the death penalty. Regardless of our varying positions on the death penalty, we can see that in the bishops’ inordinate attention to this issue, there is an abysmal lack of perspective. Less than 100 capital criminals are executed each year. That’s less than 2.5% of the babies that are aborted EVERY DAY (based on 4500 abortions/day). Yet at that bishops’ meeting, not one peep was uttered about that horrible atrocity. Closer to home, in Maryland, Wesley Baker was executed in early December 2005. An alert went out from the Archdiocese of Washington, urging Catholics to protest this execution. This webmaster issued a commentary regarding this matter. Please click here to read what transpired. The Maryland Catholic Conference even held a vigil outside Baker’s prison; would that they urge Catholics to be present at each abortion mill at all times when babies are scheduled to be torn asunder!

SEX-ED ABOMINATION IN SILVER SPRING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Parents with children enrolled at St. Bernadette’s, St. John the Evangelist and St. Mary of the Mills are dealing with threats to the innocence of their children that stem from the archdiocese. Children as young as kindergarten age are having foisted upon them insidious material from the “Child Lures” program. It is touted as a “safety program” for children, but the children are exposed to age-inappropriate topics such as pornography, date rape, incest. Of course, the children are also taught in this program that the gay lifestyle is to be accepted. No Catholic morality nor doctrine is taught. The Archdiocesan School Superintendent, Patricia Weitzel-O’Neill, told parents that they could not opt their children out of the program. Now we know that is blatant violation of Canon Law and other Catholic doctrine, all of which recognize that in God’s order, parents are the primary teachers for their children, and it is they who know what’s most appropriate for their children. Catholic teachers and pastors are bound by Canon Law to respect that, not to arrogate those God-given prerogatives to themselves. To add insult to injury, the archdiocese will not allow the program to be taught by parents outside the classroom! Also, please note that this program IS intended for the entire archdiocese! The above schools are “pilot locations.” If this usurpation of parental authority remains unchallenged and uncorrected at these schools, many of us will find our parental authority likewise pooh-poohed!

The USCCB has made clear that a classroom environment has NOT required by their recommendation. Other dioceses throughout the country, while implementing this, are acknowledging the rights of parents to opt their children out of the program, should they deem that the best for their children. Why does our own Archdiocese of Washington insist on sticking its finger in the eyes of parents? Why is it disobeying the Magisterium in this regard? Why does it insist on corrupting the innocence of our children?

For more information on “Child Lures”, go to www.childlures.com. The parents mentioned above have formed their own website: www.catholicfamiliesunited.org. Visit this site to see how you can help. Of course, contact the archdiocese and let them know your displeasure.