When I saw "the Catholics" in your post, I bristled, too. I read on, and came to the impression that you're a decent guy, and one of good will.
IMO, when someone paints with too wide a stroke, negative encounters ensue. The Catholic Church has been infested with its share of liberal dissidents, as has other Christian denominations, and to say "the Catholics," or "the Episcopalians," doesn't do justice to the reality of the situation.
This Rev. John Jenkins has CINO written all over him, and those who are protesting the Obama invitation are the authentic Catholics. Whatever rationalizations Fr. Jenkins can provide to defend his position do not diminish the fact that he is being disobedient to the American Bishops concerning an issue of extreme gravity. The real Catholics know this instinctively or factually, are outraged accordingly, and fighting this blatant battle in the war of good vs. evil. IOW, they are not rolling over and playing dead by any means.
As far as FR goes, it's a great forum for discussion, debate, and joining forces with like minded people of different faiths/denominations for prayer and/or action. However, I have seen debates and discussions deteriorate into ad hominum attacks of Catholics by *some* non-catholics. I've also seen Catholic threads infiltrated by *some* non-catholics, and break out into flame wars. Hence the understandable sensitivity of Catholics who perceive another attack coming on.
I sincerely hope this post clarifies a few things, and that all will go forward in truth and mutual respect. :o)
I get verrrrrrrrrry tired of the “wide stroke” criticism from FR posters and more times than naught, the criticisms come from those who know very little if anything about Catholicism, Catholics and/or the Catholic Church.
Dominus Vobiscum