Free Republic is a cheering section for the Church for its principled stance on abortion, same sex marriage, and stem cell research. But conservatives are fickle when Catholic social teachings deviate from a GOP or America first policy. The Church does not serve any single political party. History shows us that when that happens the Church and its message are compromised. The Church is not a left versus right or red versus blue. The Church is in a fight for our souls and for the soul of our country. Catholics serve America best by serving God first. We Catholics honor our nation best by living our Catholic faith honestly and vigorously, and without apology through our actions, our words, our prayers and our votes. What ever political party we may belong to we are Catholics and citizens of heaven first.
With all due respect, abortion, same sex marriage, and stem cell research are all non-negotiable articles of faith.
Taking the earnings American citizens to provide higher education for the children of criminal invaders in the name of charity is not on the same plane.
“Catholics serve America best by serving God first. We Catholics honor our nation best by living our Catholic faith honestly and vigorously, and without apology through our actions, our words, our prayers and our votes. What ever political party we may belong to we are Catholics and citizens of heaven first.”
That’s all fine, good and as we say in Greek, etsi preppi (as it should be). But Archbishop Chaput is a particularly glaring example of the sort of showboating politician whose big mouth stains the spirituality of The Church. Among Orthodox involved in the reunion discussions, Chaput and his performances are cited as being among the reasons why its likely that we’ve seen just about all the progress towards reunion there will be in our lifetimes.
2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens. (emphases mine)
For some reason, the parts I've highlighted never seem to be remembered by those who cite "Catholic social teaching" to excuse illegal immigration.