Cardinal O'Malley Defends Role at Kennedy Rites

The Boston Globe ^ | September 3, 2009 | Michael Paulson

[TaxachusettsMan]

Cardinal O’Malley issued a forceful defense of his decision to participate in the funeral of Senator Kennedy; revealed the substance of a conversation he had with President Obama: Catholic bishops are “anxious to support a plan for universal health care, but we will not support a plan that will include a provision for abortion or could open the way to abortions in the future.’’

But the most impassioned part of the cardinal’s blog post is a de facto plea for greater civility among Catholics when discussing divisive issues. He warned against “harsh judgments’’ and attributing “the worst motives’’ to people with whom Catholics have disagreements, saying “these attitudes and practices do irreparable damage to the communion of the Church.’’

O’Malley said he regretted Kennedy’s support for abortion rights. But “As archbishop of Boston, I considered it appropriate to represent the church at this liturgy out of respect for the senator, his family, those who attended the Mass and all those who were praying for the senator and his family at this difficult time. We are people of faith and we believe in a loving and forgiving God from whom we seek mercy.’’

Raymond Arroyo at EWTN wrote: “The prayer intercessions, endless eulogies, image of the cardinal reading prayers, and finally Cardinal McCarrick interring the remains sent an uncontested message: One may defy church teaching, publicly lead others astray, deprive innocent lives of their rights, and still be seen a good Catholic, even an exemplary one.’’

Also praise. Rev. James Martin, associate editor at America magazine, wrote, “Cardinal O’Malley’s decision to attend the funeral is large-hearted, compassionate, pastoral, sensitive and, above all, Christian.’’

[m4629]

ping to self

[saradippity]

Count l-failure of Catholic hierarchy to speak out against slavery.

Count ll-failure to speak out against the Holocaust.

As I explained in another post the Church has clearly spoken out against both evils. I did not say that there was a good response,merely that they did speak out.

Regards the disservice Catholics and noncatholics do to the Jewish people by bringing attention to the Holocaust in every conversation and discussion of other peoples' persecution and ill treatment,it is only human to start wondering about the rest of the story,so to speak.

Wasn't it Lady MacBeth who was faulted for "protesting too much"?

[presently no screen name]

Just for starters - where did you get that bit about slavery - are you saying I posted that? You simply don't pay attention to what and from who you are reading. It's no wonder you are so way off base.

I will never stop talking about the Holocaust and if you don't like that - it's just TOO BAD! Got that, chicky?

[presently no screen name]

until our number comes up. Then we want Him to be merciful. I'll pray for mercy,

Jesus died on The Cross for the sins of all - isn't that mercy enough for you? You're praying for something you were already given. He finished it all at the Cross. You either accept his death as payment for your sins or you don't accept it. He's either your Savior (w/o any help from you) or He's not.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not of works, so that no one can boast.