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Do you know why there are Catholic Caucus threads? I was here when they first came to be, and it was because of Anti-Catholic bigotry. We were all sick of open threads, where we could not even discuss our own Church beliefs without the kind of trash found on this thread. The RM gave us the Caucus designation so we wouldn’t have to put up with the worst of the anti-Catholic posts while we’re trying to talk about a particular church issue. Now, you can pick almost any Catholic Caucus thread on a general moral topic, and find MANY interruptions of the caucus. Meanwhils, the screams of outrage if a non-Catholic caucus thread is interrupted are deafening.

I wasn't born yesterday on a turnip truck. This "anti-Catholic" bigotry that is oh so easily tossed around these days could just as easily be called anti-Protestant bigotry. It's all in the viewpoint, isn't it? I remember many provocative threads years ago with titles such as, Why Catholicism is the Only True Faith and Why Protestants are Heretics. If the terms were reversed wouldn't you expect to be able to give an objection? Wouldn't you be totally within your rights to be able to do so? The "Caucus" tag only works when the content does not compare one faith to another or speak unfavorably of another faith. Those are easy enough to follow, don't you think?

As to the VERY few caucus threads for Non-Catholics that get posted (we're not afraid of alternate views), I see those getting the same "interruptions" that you are complaining about. While we are on the topic, I think it is quite strange, actually, that on Catholic Caucus threads there is such a vehement protectionism that, even if someone has something positive to say about the thread OP, the immediate challenge is, "Are you a Catholic?", "Get off this thread!", and it doesn't matter what was said. It is exclusionary to the point that even good comments are excluded. I was hit with just such a thing when I expressed support for the subject person of the article. How are you ever to expect respect when the caucus designation is used as a club complete with Moderators having to pose as your personal bouncers?

You know, have your "special" threads, but drop trying to make the Religion Forum a Catholics Only place. We have every right to post our thoughts and every right to defend against false claims, false doctrine and any other misunderstandings of the Christian faith. It is OUR faith, as well. You really don't do yourselves any favors by complaining about Anti-Catholic bigotry because bigotry can go both ways. It means "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigotry). Fits some of you guys, too, doesn't it?

You know, have your "special" threads, but drop trying to make the Religion Forum a Catholics Only place. We have every right to post our thoughts and every right to defend against false claims, false doctrine and any other misunderstandings of the Christian faith. It is OUR faith,

as well. You really don't do yourselves any favors by complaining about Anti-Catholic bigotry because bigotry can go both ways. It means "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigotry). Fits some of you guys, too, doesn't it?

Sorry, my reply got cut off. I wanted to say that it is not Catholics that start these mammoth arguments on the open threads. It is mostly inflammatory remarks from a few anti-Catholic posters who get them going. When Catholics try to answer a question we get told that we use a daffyntionary or some such, or that it’s not Biblical, and when we answer those stupid arguments, there’s a dogpile. The open threads are all a mess, and I’m particularly tired of some specific statements that some of you repeat ad nauseum.

You may not have recently fallen off a turnip truck, but there appear to be hay seeds in your hair.

"Are you a Catholic?", "Get off this thread!",

LOL! Exactly! I said "No, I'm a Christian' and was told to get off the thread. I, like others, went on accidentally and immediately attacked. Now they claim to be Christians? And show respect to others and definitely Muslims? And yet some say 'come home'! LOL! What a confused group - they don't know what they want - other than being in control.

You know, have your “special” threads, but drop trying to make the Religion Forum a Catholics Only place. We have every right to post our thoughts and every right to defend against false claims, false doctrine and any other misunderstandings of the Christian faith. It is OUR faith,

You certainly have your rights, but it appears clear that EVERYTHING CATHOLIC IS “False claims, false doctrine, and other misunderstandings of the Christian faith.” We disagree. You will not permit that, without attempting to draw blood, it appears. You will not allow Catholics to have our faith without pushing yours in our faces. All in Christ’s Holy Name, of course.

While we are on the topic, I think it is quite strange, actually, that on Catholic Caucus threads there is such a vehement protectionism that, even if someone has something positive to say about the thread OP, the immediate challenge is, "Are you a Catholic?", "Get off this thread!", and it doesn't matter what was said. It is exclusionary to the point that even good comments are excluded. I was hit with just such a thing when I expressed support for the subject person of the article. How are you ever to expect respect when the caucus designation is used as a club complete with Moderators having to pose as your personal bouncers?

It isn't just you.