David Ricken (above) is the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, WI.
Recently the bishop sent out a letter to all the Catholics in his diocese. Dated October 24, 2012, his letter in part reads:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
AN IMPORTANT MOMENT
It is almost time to vote and to make our choices for president and other political offices both local and national. You have often heard it said that this is a turning point in our country’s history and I could not agree more.
The Church is not a political organism, but … the Church has the responsibility to speak out regarding moral issues, especially on those issues that impact the “common good” and the “dignity of the human person.”
I would like to review some of the principles to keep in mind as you approach the voting booth to complete your ballot. The first is the set of non-negotiables. These are areas that are “intrinsically evil” and cannot be supported by anyone who is a believer in God or the common good or the dignity of the human person.
They are:
1. abortion
2. euthanasia
3. embryonic stem cell research
4. human cloning
5. homosexual “marriage”These are intrinsically evil. “A well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program that contradicts fundamental contents of faith and morals.” Intrinsically evil actions are those which have an evil object. In other words, an act is evil by its very nature and to choose an action of this type puts one in grave moral danger.
But what does this have to do with the election? Some candidates and one party have even chosen some of these as their party’s or their personal political platform. To vote for someone in favor of these positions means that you could be morally “complicit” with these choices which are intrinsically evil. This could put your own soul in jeopardy.
The letter goes on to warn of the evils of Obamacare and to talk about how great it would be to have a president who knows how to fix the economy and put people back to work. (Read the whole letter here.)
Now, of course, chickenshit bullies old enough to have any conscience at all rarely have the nerve to actually say what they’re really saying, and this cowardly cretin is no different. He doesn’t just say “Vote Republican or go to hell.” That would be too honest and forthright. What he says instead is that voting for one party [gee, I wonder which party he's talking about?] could make you morally complicit with evil—which could put your soul in “jeopardy.”
Vote wrong and damn your eternal soul to hell. But, ya’ know. He’s just sayin’.
Speaking of voting in polls:
You might also check out my The Catholic Church and the “sin so grievous it cries out for vengeance,” and Father “No communion for you!” not the whole story.
![John Shore on The Huffington Post](http://johnshore.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/huffpost.jpg?w=120 "John Shore on The Huffington Post\")
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Well kids, quite a nice follow-up to this story. This is one of many reasons why I so appreciate politically active atheists, keeping things honest.
http://www.religionnews.com/politics/government-and-politics/atheists-sue-irs-for-failure-to-monitor-church-politicking
oh my, there must be quite a few on that path tonight!
Hello, Mom? Good news! I voted early. Bad news. I just found out I’m intrinsically evil.
“LIKE”
We intrinsically evil are gonna have one bad-ass rockin party one fine day… and the fundies will call the cops on a noise complaint.
if the fundies call the noise police, I’m calling the fashion police … have you seen those outfits?
I’ve long adhered to the theory that having so much polyester in one’s sanctuary is akin to putting acid into the drinking water at a rock concert: irrational hallucinations and mud-slinging are the only results upon which one can rely.
Whatever happened to, “Render unto Caeser that which is Caeser’s, and render unto God that which is God’s”?
The Church is not divided so much between the Catholic and the Protestant in these matters as it is between the thoughtful and the doctrinaire. The substance of our catholic faith has always overcome the ignorance with which its enemy assails it.
Reading that article makes me ashamed to be an American Catholic, not just Catholic….Here a blog article where there are still thoughtful American Catholics, progressive or traditional/conservative. http://www.devinrose.heroicvirtuecreations.com/blog/2012/10/29/a-talk-with-a-partisan/#comments.
While this writer is obviously ‘conservative’ Catholic, he is very thoughtful and really thinks through especially regarding Catholic Social Justice Teaching. Here’s another thoughtful American Catholic from the more ‘liberal side’:
http://blueberriesforme.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/voting-democrat-is-not-a-sin/
I am just pointing it out to give some hope that not all American Catholics, progressive and conservative, are one-dimensional, moralistic, OCD thinkers..
There are a whole lot of comments here saying negative things about Republicans and wealthy people. Please remember, friends, that Republicans and people earning in the top 1% are not some monolithic, homogenous group. I am a theologically liberal, Republican Christian. I believe in gay marriage, and I believe that it will eventually become the law of the land. I changed my mind about the morality of abortion after hearing my childrens’ heartbeats in utero, but herein lies the beauty of the democratic process! As a society, we put our heads together, and I get to vote, and you get to vote. And the states can come to different decisions about whether, and under what conditions, women can have abortions. (When I was pro-abortion-rights, my very smart friend responded to my argument of “But it’s MY body!” by pointing out that the government tells us all the time what we can and can’t do with our bodies. I can’t smoke pot, or take medications that aren’t FDA approved, etc. etc. If I don’t like it, I have to take politcal action to change the laws, because I live in a civil society.)
Oh! That’s right. The states do not have the option of voting on whether women can have abortions. Because nine politically-unaccountable men and women on the Supreme Court say they can’t.
DAMN that Constitution, it’s so pesky!
Also, pot = having babies. Apparently.
There’s just so much here I don’t what to do with. And now I’ve lost interest.
Heather, go back to Jr High civics class. They explain our system of checks and balances, without using big words that will confuse you.
That wasn’t very nice. Big words don’t confuse me. I’ve already been to law school, practiced at a top 50 law firm, and taught and published on constitutional law, federalism, and separation of powers, so going back to junior high school is not going to change my views.
Heather,
Excellent, so maybe you wouldn’t mind explaining your original comment in more detail. We make our snarky comments because your comment regarding the Supreme Court sounds rather vague and derogatory. Did we misinterpret you, or do you in fact take issue with some aspect of the SC? If the latter, which aspect(s) do you take issue with?
I also believe that your comments in total touch on the issue of tyranny of the majority, would you mind addressing that issue?
Thanks.
Fascinating that someone with your extensive legal background doesn’t understand the role of the SCOTUS.
But you know what really isn’t nice? When a lawyer from a top 50 firm doesn’t understand that your or my civil rights should never be put to a vote.
And I would never argue that SCOTUS is not without its flaws … another not-nice thing is when Antonin Scalia says, “The death penalty? Give me a break. It’s easy. Abortion? Absolutely easy. Nobody ever thought the Constitution prevented restrictions on abortion. Homosexual sodomy? Come on. For 200 years, it was criminal in every state.” So much for sitting on the bench with an open mind to the arguments, precedents, and evidence which will be put in front of you.
But what really isn’t nice? When a woman like yourself, who was given the choice under Roe, is prepared to put to vote and potentially deny that same choice to other women.
And it is the absolute height of absurdity for to compare pregnancy to smoking pot or taking a non-FDA approved drugs. For you to equate pregnancies, including those by rape or incest, to a decision to get stoned for the evening is beyond wicked.
I stand by my earlier judgment, it’s time for you to go back to the basics of American civics, and from what you write, I still believe Jr. Hi is the best place for you to start.
Oh wait, I just realized what a waste of time all this is … like Justice Scalia, nothing is going to change your views.
Dammit! There needs be Like/Love/Adore buttons on this blog!
Republican lawyers are a scary lot. Remember John Yoo? That boob wrote the memos justifying the Bush Administration’s torture policies.
(Certain) Republican lawyers I can live with … the problem are the Liberty and Regent “lawyers” who were hired and appointed during the Bush years.
Just imagine … being a lawyer who gives other lawyers a bad name 3:-)
I agree with Jill. I was gonna give Heather the opportunity to defend her position, but Mike really hit every one of those crooked nails right on the head. Bravo, sir!
No one gets to vote on whether women have abortions, not states, not anybody, because basic human rights are not a voting matter. If nine guys get together and vote to eat the tenth one, they don’t get to do that.
“Mr Roberts genuinely thinks continuity, stability, public approval, and a posture of deference to the legislature are crucial to the healthy functioning of the judicial branch. The members of the court have more room to move, more freedom to interpret the constitution by their independent lights, when they are not the subject of an angry, divisive public debate that loudly calls into question the independence and legitimacy of their institution. ” (The Economist, June 28)
Many Supreme-watchers posit that Roberts made his unexpected vote to uphold Obamacare in June to protect the reputation of the Court. It’s called ‘the long game’ and ‘picking your battles’. For the Supreme Court, the near future includes potentially landmark decisions on abortion and reproductive rights, the separation of church and state, equal (‘gay’) marriage, and the scope of the death penalty and the rights of criminal defendants.
Elected? No. Political? Hell yes.
I really have to take exception with your point of view about states voting on rights. I am extremely offended when states like California ask citizens to vote on my right to marry the consenting adult of my choice and I honestly don’t understand why anyone, but particularly a woman, would want a bunch of voters to decide what she can and cannot do with her own body.
Personally, if I was a woman facing an unwanted pregnancy, I know exactly what I would do unless the pregnancy was the result of rape, incest or put my own life at risk. But, and this is very important, it is my right to make that choice. And, out of respect for women and their absolute right to manage their own bodies and their health, I oppose a bunch of voters taking that choice away. It’s just not right and I’m always amazed when a woman doesn’t get that.
Imagine where we would be if we had left it up to the states to vote on civil rights for people of color? I still love my country, but I don’t trust the American electorate any farther than I can throw them. Not when it comes to my God-given rights.
And if more men, particularly those of the elite ruling class, would actually deign to put themselves in a woman’s shoes like you Gordon, we’d STOP having this supremely ignorant discussion about it and move on– to, oh I don’t know, making sure we feed, shelter, clothe, and care for the children already unwanted and suffering on this planet.
Ah, but I’m a woman, what the hell do I know?
Gordon, BTW– that was my snark hiding my appreciation for your comment. I get uppity at times…
Hans Kung has asked for a “revolution,” but I believe that the Holy Spirit has already started a new “mighty Wind” of change among the followers of Jesus. While a few verses “Thou are Peter,” “such-and-such an abomination,” and “Wives,, be subject,” etc. have over-ridden the Sermon on the Mount with their intense focus, I believe a new dawn is starting to dispel these artificial spotlights, enlightening the whole people of God. Ask the hierarchy about serving the people in nursing homes and prisons, not whether they are politicking about abortions. See who is praying and studying the Bible in small groups and humbly. Find those who emphasize loving over ritual, and you will see a new phoenix-like Church arising out of the ashes of the old one.
What a lovely vision of what the church could/should be
It is time to start taxing all religious institutions. Nothing based in faith should have government subsidies.
Amen.
Double Amen!
I was born and raised Catholic, and resided in the Green Bay Diocese in my youth. I have fond memories of many of my priests and nuns, and I am close to not only family but friends that still practice Catholicism in the diocese. For some, a Catholic life is all they have known, because it was the religion of their lineage. The church is their family. And the faith is comfortable, and often without challenge.
Until now.
I pray that great things come from this: that this letter awakens people from my former parish and former diocese (and Catholics across the country) to change. And while the prospect of change can be frightening, I pray the conviction on hearts of continuing to follow in silence overwhelms people to action. I pray people can understand their faith is their own and not mandated by earthly laws. And I pray that we, their extended Christian community, have the words and actions to help in any way we can.
I don’t know who is going to heaven or hell, but as a Catholic, I deeply resent pronouncements such as this one, telling me I will go to hell, I should be denied communion, etc., if I vote a certain way. Who died and made him God, anyway? The bishop of my diocese, Robert Finn, was found guilty last month of moving a “dirty” priest around, freeing him up to continue molesting little girls. Is he under fire? No! When did Catholic bishops crawl into bed with the Republicans, I’d like to know?!
I have to agree. One would think, Karen, that any right-minded person who was part of the “management team,” of an organization found over and over, to have facilitated the explotation of children, would show a little humility and know when to keep quiet in their judgement of others (something the Bible commands anyways). But the unbridled arrogance of these Bishops is astonishing. They continue to rattle on while most of the rest of us pay no attention due to their own moral bankruptcy. What’s the old saying by (I think) Mark Twain…better to keep silent and let people think you stupid, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Oh yeah?
“They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:4-10
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. ” 1 Timothy 4:1-5
“Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”" John 3:5-8
“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13
“God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.” Acts 15:8
“”Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”" Acts 10:47
They really need to tax these sons-of-bitches. If they’re going to act as a PAC they should not be tax-exempt. Lot of property there in some very good locations.
I had been avoiding this piece of vomit on facebook, but when John posted it I just had to read it. This shit is happening all over the country, not just in churches, employers are doing it too. It isn’t bad enough the corporate money is like a 800 pound gorilla in the fundraising picture, now we have unbridaled coersion going on all over the place, voting machines owned by Romney’s family, incorrect voting info sent to spanish speakers, voter ID supression, polling place overcrowding and outright GOP voter registratiaon fraud.
It’s time to get real angry about losing our democracy to a bunch of wealthy dicks.
Pardon my french.
it’s not about wealthy dicks, trust me. 1% cannot change the world or our democracy … it takes another approx. 46%+ of our nation to concur, which they willingly do.
Good point. Suckers, every one of them….
Sadly, I have to disagree with you, Mike. They may only be 1% of the population but they hold a far larger percentage of the power and influence. They have already changed our “democracy”. We see more and more power shifted to corporations – if we’re willing to look at it.
Okay, free speech and all, but that wasn’t very 501C of Bishop Ricken.
Second point: granted I’m a heretic not in step with Rome, but aren’t we saved by Grace, not the Republican party? My understanding of the Bible is that just being born into this world puts my “own soul in jeopardy.”
Third point: I resist muttering “douchebag” upon reading this not because I fear God’s wrath, but rather out of joy and gratitude that I’ve been redeemed by Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Oh God… why do I still identify as Catholic?
Because you believe in what’s best of it, I would imagine.
Thank you, John. That does help.
I wonder why, as well.
Can I be the Clarence Thomas to your Antonin Scalia? I’ll just follow you around and agree with everything you say.
The parallel question might help you understand your answer to the one you asked:
Do you identify David Ricken as speaking for you as a Catholic?
Your answer as to why or why not might go a long way in answering your question.
Jesus identified as a Jew, but didn’t hesitate to quite vocally denounce the Jewish leaders of his time and place. Ask yourself how that worked, and you may be able to figure out why and how you are still Catholic.
Right up until they pitched me out on my ass, I was able to consider myself Catholic because my relationship was with God, not his fan club. I saw Catholicism as an organizing metaphor, not a personal allegiance.
Same thing goes for Martin Luther. He was a Catholic priest who challenged his Church and look what happened? The Reformation.
Such a great comment thread!
Lymis,
I am sorry to hear you were pitched out.
When asked, I always say: ” I am Catholic until “they” find out about me… pro-choice/pro-life, pro gay marriage, pro-women priests… and I get myself excommunicated. ”
And not you “need” any of the following, but…
Seeing as excommunication has not happened yet; and seeing as, according to my oncologist, I only have months left until my pancreatic cancer wins out and so might not get excommunicated at all; and seeing as we (all Catholics) ARE the Church; and seeing as “we” includes “me”; so, therefore, I hereby officially “unpitch” you from the Church and most ardently welcome you to the church that is US.
Not sure how much that is worth, but there you go…
Love
Maria.
P.S. Which is not to say that I understand perfectly you not wanting anything to do with said church.
Maria, I only just found this… I am SO glad I searched again.
I am sending you MORE than just hugs… sending all the love and support I’ve got. You are never alone. You are never alone. You are never alone.
Love to you, Jill
Jill,
That’s so sweet of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (am just emerging from a rather rough week of chemo which is why I ma just now responding)
Lots of love to you also, Maria
Maria, your strength is inspiring. You come out here to encourage and support people, and yet you also need it yourself. I wish we had the ability to take away suffering, but I can stand by you in this small way.
Gauging by your message, you are putting one foot in front of the other every day. I think of you quite often when I come out here, and I am glad to read your messages. Please know you have an online family here with you.
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