Archbishop Charles Chaput
Posted on 03/03/2005 1:55:42 PM PST by NYer
DENVER, March 3, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Denver’s Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput has appeared frequently in LifeSiteNews.com reports as one of the strongest episcopal voices defending the rights of Christians to participate in public life and defend the rights of the unborn. His quick response style has earned him the high regard of many pro-life leaders and the respect even of the radically pro-abortion New York Times.
This week he faced off with a hostile crowd who peppered him with the usual sophomoric accusations Catholics have learned to expect from their ideologically motivated opponents. In the latest round, the Archbishop spoke to a crowd of Denver civic and business leaders at the City Club of Denver on “Church, State and Politics.”
One woman asked, “Why do (religions) feel they have to impose their views on us?” Without pause, the Chaput replied, “If we don't - you'll impose your views on us.”
Another asked, “When is the church going to agree to pay taxes?”
“I run 50 Catholic schools that keep you from paying more taxes - is that worth it to you?” Chaput shot back.
In his address Chaput pointed out that the work he has done on behalf of the poor and homeless and against the death penalty has been nearly ignored by the press. “As a Church, more than 80 percent of our time, resources, ministry personnel and lobbying efforts go to issues that have nothing to do with abortion. But you’ll never see that on anybody’s front-page either, because it isn’t news.” He pointed out that the normal life of the Catholic Church is to defend the poor and helpless. In fact, he said, “It’s so normal that nobody pays attention – until they disagree.”
In the inevitable attack on the Church’s prohibition of abortion the Archbishop showed that his feelings, not just his mind, were engaged. He said, “That dear baby who gets aborted is who I'm protecting. Somebody doesn't just get hurt with abortion - they get killed.”
“Who will take care of the unwanted children?” another asked.
“I'll take any child that's unwanted and find them a home and take care of the mother,” he said. “You have my personal pledge on that.”
Domenico Bettinelli, an editor of Catholic World News said, “This is a bishop with backbone… the very fact that he was willing to move beyond the comfort of the chancery to engage a sometimes hostile crowd on the most controversial issues of the day, sets Archbishop Chaput apart from the rest of the crowd.”
Read the text of the Archbishop’s address:
http://www.archden.org/archbishop/docs/03_01_05_fa...
Chaput - Pro-life Ping!
I remember when Archbishop Charles Chaput came to Denver there were several articles in the Denver papers touting his Indian roots. I wonder what he thinks of Ward Churchill.
I really admire Archbishop Chaput. The pre-election interview he did with the New York Times (the actual interview, not the version that got printed) was just brilliant. When you look at these sad characters they've made bishops (like the one who's president of the USCCB right now), Chaput stands out even more. Perhaps he will be the one to bring the American Church up from the ruins.
As soon as NARAL, PFAW, Planned Parenthood and all the other nonprofits pay taxes, I would guess.
Heckuva guy!!! I wish all Christian leaders were as bright and forceful.
Gotta love Arch Chaput. Thanks for the ping.
Hope so.
He's awesome!
Yeehaaaaa! Go Charlie, Go Charlie...!
He is one of several who have gained prominence in the 'anti-catholic' MSM. The ranks are growing and their voices are being heard. Keep all of the bishops in your prayers. God knows, they need them!
What a gutsy, intelligent guy...You know, it amazes me how stupid the "pro-choice" movement is...can you imagine if someone said, "if you're so concerned about those 6 million Jews that are in Hitler's empire,you take care of them otherwise, shut up"....
I had the pleasure of being in the Cathedral last weekend as he welcomed hundreds of people into the Church and Catholic instructions. I am sponsoring my future daughter-in-law and she went up and met the Archbishop. She said he is very kind and has the brightest blue eyes, she felt very honored to meet him but he assured her that it was his honor to meet her. Made her feel very comfortable, the Archbishop is one of the few who said he would deny communion to politicians who supported abortion, John Kerry was the person he spoke about.
Congratulations to you and your future daughter in law. May God shed His blessings on you both. What a beautiful Easter for the entire family. My prayers for all of you.
Bishop Odo of Bayeux (note the club to avoid the effusion of blood)
Thomas Hatfield, bishop of Durham, who fought at Crecy (1346)
Leonidas Polk (all right, all right, he was a schismatic . . . in more ways than one . . . ;-) )
They are vacuum cleaners for money: they suck up tax dollars into their organizations.
Planned Parenthood is one of the prime benefactors of donations to the United Way. Remember to kill babies [the United Way!] [Oops, since I am a newbie, I had better put /sarcasm on]
And you should. He put out a commentary on Million Dollar Baby about 5 days before the oscars.
A friend of Francis Maier pointed out that Archbishop Chaput had written it [I was voicing concerns about the film and the impact on the Terri Schiavo situation].
But it does not pay to be too close to Archbishop Chaput -- look what happened to his poor Auxiliary Bishop Gomez. They stole him not to make him a Bishp, but an Archbishop over 1/2 of Texas. Archbishop Gomez of San Antonio has had a good mentor: Archbishop Chaput of Denver. Both are important seminaries to run. The San Antonio Seminary is one of the few bilingual seminaries -- Spanish speaking seminarians are educated there.
Also Archbishop Gomez is a member of Opus Dei; Archbishop Chaput is a Capuchin like Padre Pio.
gos bless Bishop Chaput.
Thanks for the ping!
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