Bishop battles for orthodoxy in Scranton, Pa.

AP/Google ^ | 3/13/09 | Kathy Matheson

[pissant]

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — The bishop's threat was almost incomprehensible. In this heavily Roman Catholic city, where tens of thousands of people pack downtown for the annual St. Patrick's parade, Mass would be canceled that day if organizers honored an abortion-rights supporter.

The warning — seen by some as a reference to Vice President Joe Biden, a native son — was the latest in a series of tough stands by Bishop Joseph Martino, who is establishing himself as one of the nation's most outspoken defenders of Catholic orthodoxy.

Supporters say he is simply enforcing church teachings to counter "cafeteria Catholics," who pick and choose which beliefs to embrace. His critics call him a reclusive prelate who issues edicts from on high, rarely interacting with his flock.

[ALPAPilot]

"I mean no disrespect to the bishop — he has his job to do, and I will always have my opinion," McNulty said. "(But) I thought that we, as Catholics, should open our arms and open our churches and be there for people rather than shutting doors."

I'm sure the church confessional will be open anytime.

[Steelfish]

Great bishop! Doing what the first apostles Peter and Paul would do! We badly need a Bishop Martino in Los Angeles and Sacramento

[victim soul]

Deo Gratias!! Thank you Bishop Martino for teaching and defending the Faith.

[victim soul]

Keep us posted on how things are going.

[big'ol_freeper]

Hey, stand up Joseph!......

Sit your ass down Joe

Ooh, ooh, don't you know who I am?...

... Joe, I don't care who you are you lightweight...you're mine!

[pissant]

LOL. Very good

[Salvation]

Three cheers for Bishop Martino. A great leader is emerging in my estimation.

[Windcatcher]

"Hey, it’s Lt. Reginald “Reg” Barclay!"

To me he'll ALWAYS be Murdoch.

[dbreidenbach]

Will do! Anyone who wants to keep up with the saga should take a look at the diocesan website: http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/

The CINO’s expected him to back down when they started barking. It’s truly a blessing to have a bishop willing to stand up for the truth.