Good observations. I’m assuming that the Church considers Mr. Gingrich’s current marriage legitimate (the details being beyond my competence). Otherwise, the local authorities would not be admitting such a high-profile candidate. A nowhere parish, where a liberal bishop isn’t watching, might confirm a convert with a dubious marriage status, but not somebody who’s all over the news like this.
If Christianity didn’t accept sinners, whom are they going to take? Not St. Peter or St. Paul, or St. Augustine or St. Francis.
And, as you point out, Christopher Buckley is, as a sinner acting unworthily of his heritage, Just Like Us. Richard Wurmbrand, the great Lutheran pastor, translated the “golden rule” as “Love your neighbor, because he’s just like you.” I’d have put a few redneck expletives in there, but I think the point is clear without them.
Even if you are a redneck...