As you know many media outlets and blogs have been covering Father’s story and how the church relieved him from his duties. I don’t know Cathal personally, as you know I’m a secularist (deist), so I have no stake in the outcome of his immigration proceedings. But it has got me thinking about how political churches have become over the past few years, especially the Catholic church in South Dakota. They seem to be telling people what and who to vote for from the pulpit. I even had one Catholic friend tell me that when Thune was running against Daschle there was a flyer handed out to parishioners during Mass that promoted Thune because he was pro-life. I personally disagree with churches being political. I think churches should strengthen people’s faith, not tell them what to do. One reason I don’t attend church is because of the money and political dealings and I find it to be very hypocritical of Christian doctrine.
Don’t get me wrong. Churches do great charitable work and should be commended for it. Especially the Catholic Church. That is what I find so bizarre about Father’s story. Why would the Catholic church provide help (in the form of food, housing, nationalization, etc.) to immigrants who are members of the congregation, but not to one of their own employees? Is it because one takes from the plate and the other puts into the plate?
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You be the judge.