Free Republic

[Catholic Caucus] The Strange Path of Fr. JoeFr. Joe became a priest at the perfect American moment. In the summer of ’85, America’s dads and moms gathered with their children in family rooms, laughing together at the wholesome storylines of The Cosby Show and Family Ties. Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. seemed to pour from every car radio, each track reflecting the energy of the times. The country pulsed with optimism: jobs were plentiful, interest rates were easing, and the untroubled rhythm of pre-technology suburban life was in full swing. Even the wider world felt hopeful; Ronald Reagan, Pope John...

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest denied communion to more than 100 people Sunday, saying they could not receive the sacrament because they wore rainbow-colored sashes to church to show support for gay Catholics. Before offering communion, the Rev. Michael Sklucazek told the congregation at the Cathedral of St. Paul that anyone wearing a sash could come forward for a blessing but would not receive wine and bread. A group called the Rainbow Sash Alliance has encouraged supporters to wear the multicolored fabric bands since 2001 on each Pentecost Sunday, the day Catholics believe the Holy Spirit...