Monday, June 14, 2004

This little bombshell appeared in the New York Times:

"President Bush asked a top Vatican official to push American bishops to speak out more about political issues, including same-sex marriage, according to a report in the National Catholic Reporter, an independent newspaper.

"Bush said, 'Not all the American bishops are with me' on the cultural issues. The implication was that he hoped the Vatican would nudge them toward more explicit activism."

Mr. Allen wrote that others in the meeting confirmed that the president had pledged aggressive efforts "on the cultural front, especially the battle against gay marriage, and asked for the Vatican's help in encouraging the U.S. bishops to be more outspoken."


The hubris is astounding. When Kennedy was President, there were fears that the President may be answerable to the Pope. Apparently, Bush has turned that fear on its head, and thinks that the Pope is answerable to the President!

I wonder if American Roman Catholics will have any objection to a secular President trying to dictate to the Church?

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