UCA News
Contribute

Cardinal adds heavy dose of politics to benediction

Invited to bless both the Republican and Democratic conventions, Cardinal Dolan seized the opportunity to speak on contentious issues.
Cardinal adds heavy dose of politics to benediction
Published: September 11, 2012 05:35 AM GMT
Updated: September 11, 2012 05:35 AM GMT

Although the Democratic Party does not include Timothy Cardinal Dolan’s benediction on its official convention website this week, the powerful closing prayer from Charlotte Thursday has sent out powerful political shockwaves. In closing the Democratic National Convention, the prayer of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York had a not-so-subtle appeal for the sanctity of life and for traditional marriage. In so doing, Cardinal Dolan directly challenged the Democratic Party’s platform planks — not to mention many prime-time speakers during the week — supporting “a woman’s right to choose” and, for the first time, gay marriage. Now the questions start. Will His Eminence actually speak out in favor of the Romney-Ryan ticket in the fall? Will Cardinal Dolan follow the advice of a petition drive by many Roman Catholics and uninvite President Obama to the Alfred E. Smith banquet in New York this October, the largest event for Catholic charity in the nation? In a benediction quite similar to that with which he closed the Republican National Convention in Tampa a week earlier, Cardinal Dolan said before Democrats in Charlotte Thursday: “Thus do we praise you for the gift of life. Grant us to defend it. Life, without which no other rights are secure. We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected.” In an obvious reference to traditional marriage, Dolan went on to say in his benediction: “Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature’s God. Empower us with your grace, so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community.” Following the news that Cardinal Dolan would deliver the closing prayer at the Republican National Convention, His Eminence came under criticism from such outlets as the liberal Catholic publication America for appearing to favor one party over another. Dolan promptly announced he would be in Charlotte to deliver the benediction right after President Obama’s acceptance speech. But the involvement of leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in U.S. politics is not new. New York’s Cardinal John O’Connor requested President Bill Clinton not attend the Alfred E. Smith dinner in 1996, as did Cardinal Edward Egan of New York with Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004. In both cases, the reason for the “please don’t come” signal was the pro-abortion stands of the Democratic nominees. Full Story: WHAT WILL CARDINAL DOLAN’S ROLE BE IN THE RUN-UP TO NOVEMBER ELECTIONS?Source:Human Events

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia