The Archbishop of Washington, Wilton Gregory, decided he had to one-up the Episcopalian screeching over the President's visit to St. John's last night. Today, the President went to the St. John Paul II Shrine in Northeast Washington, DC, and his excellency entered the fray.
I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree. Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace.Never mind that this whole visit was planned well in advance. The Shrine released its own statement:
Today is also the 41st anniversary of when Pope St. John Paul II visited his home country of Poland for the first time, giving inspiration to what would become the Solidarity movement. Archbishop Gregory's statement is a disappointment, to say the least, looking more to appease the CNNistas than actually lead as a shepherd in these turbulent times. Too many clergy (of all types) have decided they would rather be of the world rather than in it.
Although, in retrospect, I do appreciate the clarity, even though he isn't my bishop.
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