Deacon using parish bulletins to take potshots at conservatives

[JoeFreedom]

We have been going to the same parish now for nearly 15 years, and during this time one of the deacons there writes a weekly column in the parish newsletter, which they hand out after mass. Over the years, he has written many great articles, focused solely on Christ’s message. However, he has on multiple occasions used the newsletter to take clear shots at conservatives and used it to promote his political stance.

The first time I remember him doing this was so blatantly wrong, I felt I had no choice to say something. This was many years ago, so the exact wording I cannot quote, but suffice it to say that my wife, who is not overtly political, was appalled. He had in so many words said that those who do not believe in man-made global warming are evil, unChristian, and unless they (get this) purchased an electric vehicle, we could not be considered good Christians and were sinning.

Because he welcomes feedback, I wrote him back and kindly stated that I enjoyed many of his columns, as they have provided me with inspiration to move closer to God. However, in this instance, I felt he crossed the line. He never responded. Because I used my real name (I never intended to hide myself and did my best to remain respectful), I often feel like when he catches my eye at Mass, he still has disdain for my “evil” beliefs.

Over the years, there have been others, which I won’t state here, but as I’ve said, he used the bulletin to espouse his opinions and often to the degree of being quite mean, distasteful, and downright wrong (when he says someone is not a Christian for not buying an electric car…)

Just yesterday, he used his column to say (and I will not quote, simply to avoid direct searches for him, so paraphrased as closely as possible) “those with certain political persuasions” are just like the priest and the Levite to the illegal [emphasis mine] immigrant. Basically accusing conservatives that we are heartless and cruel to all immigrants and want no immigration whatsoever, and thus we should have open borders.

Honestly, he can have whatever opinion he wants. Also, he can believe what he wants about me and other conservatives but I do not feel that use of the parish bulletin to write these things is acceptable.

Our parish priest has never said anything to him, nor do I have any idea what political opinion he holds (nor do I want to), since he has never said anything one way or another about his political beliefs (which I believe is a good thing). Just to be clear, he has spoken on moral issues like abortion, which we know as Catholics to be a moral issue that has its presence in politics.

What should I do? Should I say anything to my priest? Raise this up to the bishop? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

 

[Tolle_Lege]

This seems unacceptable to me, as he is mingling is personal opinion with Church teaching. His column should present a nuanced view of major topics. Obviously immigration is a big topic in the news these days, but it’s not as simple as just close the border or keep the border wide open. He should cite actual Church teaching on these issues.

 

[1ke]

I often feel like when he catches my eye at Mass, he still has disdain for my “evil” beliefs.

This is you, making up something in your head. This is not a fact.

What should I do?

Speak with the deacon and/or the priest about the content of the column.

Should I say anything to my priest?

Yes. How else is he to know you have concerns?

Raise this up to the bishop?

How would you like it if someone went to your boss’s boss without ever having talked to you about it first? Not much I would venture to guess. This is, in essence, what you would be doing. So, no, don’t do that.

And, bishops are busy people. He would probably turn it back over to the priest to handle anyway.

 

[BartholomewB]

Whoever is in charge of the bulletin – presumably the pastor – might care to check with the IRS that your deacon isn’t endangering the church’s tax-exempt status.

The IRS has published Revenue Ruling 2007-41, which outlines how churches, and all 501(c)(3) organizations, can stay within the law regarding the ban on political activity. Also, the ban by Congress is on political campaign activity regarding a candidate; churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in a limited amount of lobbying (including ballot measures) and advocate for or against issues that are in the political arena. The IRS also has provided guidance regarding the difference between advocating for a candidate and advocating for legislation. See political and lobbying activities.

Charities, Churches and Politics | Internal Revenue Service

The IRS reminds churches/charities of the 50-year-old ban on political activity.

www.irs.gov

 

[JoeFreedom]

This is you, making up something in your head. This is not a fact.

You did note that I said “feel”, right? I never said it was a fact, and why the attack? I’m making it up? I guess this is why I never write anything anymore on the Internet.

Speak with the deacon and/or the priest about the content of the column.

You did note where I said I have reached out to him before respectfully. He never cared to respond. Even though his column states specifically he welcomes feedback…

How would you like it if someone went to your boss’s boss without ever having talked to you about it first? Not much I would venture to guess. This is, in essence, what you would be doing. So, no, don’t do that.

Okay, just asking. Again, I did try to reach out. I suppose I could try again.

 

[JoeFreedom]

That’s good to know. I do agree that he is not endangering the tax exempt status, and I never did believe he was. I do personally believe he has a right to do this, and even to do so in the bulletin. My issue is more so that he is likely making 30-40% of the congregation upset that he uses the bulletin to rant on conservatives and their beliefs. I just feel it is inappropriate and in bad prudence.

It would be much like me going into my place of work and saying “I think all liberals are {insert name}”. Not appropriate.

 

[Tolle_Lege]

he uses the bulletin to rant on conservatives and their beliefs.

Unfortunately, this line of thinking - especially concerning the US brand of conservative politics - is endorsed by many in the Church hierarchy. Just a couple of years ago, the Vatican’s “official” newspaper ran an article accusing conservative American Catholics and Evangelicals cooperating in an “ecumenism of hate.” So sadly, the deacon most likely feels empowered by the highest leader(s) in the Church to attack conservatives in this manner.

 

[JoeFreedom]

Unfortunately, this line of thinking - especially concerning the US brand of conservative politics - is endorsed by many in the Church hierarchy.

This is sad honestly. I personally do not believe either conservatives or liberals (nor for that matter Democrats or Republicans, or even (L)libertarians, have all the right answers. It’s not that black and white and our climate today is so polarized no one can even have a conversation anymore without being accused of being “hateful”.

 

[TheLittleLady]

“those with certain political persuasions” are just like the priest and the Levite to the illegal [emphasis mine] immigrant. Basically accusing conservatives that we are heartless and cruel to all immigrants and want no immigration whatsoever, and thus we should have open borders.

Appears that maybe there is some jumping to conclusions here.

There are people of certain political persuasions who are like the priest and the Levite in this parable. This is simply true. A visit out on the internet or across cable news will show you these people.

To go further and assume he is singling out your political party is a jump.

Going from welcoming the stranger (a work of mercy commanded by Jesus) to “thus we should have open borders” is a big jump. I know that we have been conditioned to make that jump by pundits and talking heads, it is very easy to go there.

My suggestion? Sit down and read what our Bishops say, what the Church says, and then sit down and talk to the Deacon. Ask him out to lunch.

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/index.cfm

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/p...peace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html section on the “Universal Destination of Goods” was an eye opener for me.

 

[BartholomewB]

Just a couple of years ago, the Vatican’s “official” newspaper ran an article accusing conservative American Catholics and Evangelicals cooperating in an “ecumenism of hate.”

The Osservatore Romano, presumably? Do you happen to have a more exact reference? I’d like to take a look at that. Thanks.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Just a couple of years ago, the Vatican’s “official” newspaper ran an article accusing conservative American Catholics and Evangelicals cooperating in an “ecumenism of hate.” So sadly, the deacon most likely feels empowered by the highest leader(s) in the Church to attack conservatives in this manner.

You might be put at ease to know that this article was not published in the Vatican’s Official Newspaper, which is the http://www.osservatoreromano.va/en/pages/the-newspaper

It was published in La Civiltà Cattolica, a bi-monthly review of the Italian Jesuits. Reading the actual article as opposed to articles about the article can be helpful:

https://www.laciviltacattolica.com/evangelical-fundamentalism-and-catholic-integralism-in-the-usa-a-surprising-ecumenism/

 

[Tolle_Lege]

Here’s the actual article (from la Civilta Cattolica): https://www.laciviltacattolica.com/...ntegralism-in-the-usa-a-surprising-ecumenism/

And here is a NC Register story about it: ‘Ecumenism of Hate’: EWTN and the Register| National Catholic Register

Ok, so it wasn’t from the “official” Vatican newspaper, but it shouldn’t really matter. It seems quite en vogue in Rome today to attack America. They don’t really seems to like Italy’s leader either.

 

[1ke]

You did note where I said I have reached out to him before respectfully. He never cared to respond.

You wrote a letter last time. I suggested this time that you speak directly with him and/or the priest. Make an appointment. Say, “can I speak with you?” Make a connection and discuss it.

You did note that I said “feel”, right? I never said it was a fact, and why the attack? I’m making it up? I guess this is why I never write anything anymore on the Internet.

I’m not attacking. I’m pointing out that the “he looks at me funny” notion that many people have comes from inside themselves and is often/usually not actually that case.

 

[JoeFreedom]

From the article: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-act...ty/immigration/whydonttheycomeherelegally.cfm

• The Catholic Church believes that current immigration laws must be reformed to meet our country’s need for low-skilled labor and facilitate the reunification of families.
• The Catholic Church believes that immigrants should come to the United States lawfully, but it also understands that the current immigration legal framework does not adequately reunify families and is non-responsive to our country’s need for labor.

So this. This above. It’s not black and white as I said. To be accused I hate immigrants is disgusting. I believe in the rule of law, but at the same time, we need to seriously review our current laws and regulations to better align to the needs of human dignity.

Lastly, the USCCB is just that, made up of human bishops with opinions, who can have just as many flawed opinions as I can. (Do a search for what Cardinal Blaise Cupich believes on homosexual marriage and communion…)

 

[adgloriam]

@JoeFreedom you did notice that your post is not “neutral”?? That in referring to immigrants there is clear politicization in what you wrote?? That’s not a neutral approach to the subject.

“those with certain political persuasions”

Did you notice pope Francis said the exact same with those same words??

 

[Tolle_Lege]

My honest opinion is that the USCCB gives great prominence to things like immigration, climate change, and the death penalty to avoid addressing issues that are likely to upset the majority left-wing media, like abortion and homosexuality. That way they can claim to be “so busy” with these other “pressing” issues that they just don’t have the time to address anything else.

 

[JoeFreedom]

I’m not attacking. I’m pointing out that the “he looks at me funny” notion that many people have comes from inside themselves and is often/usually not actually that case.

Okay, agreed. It is my take on it and it may or may not be true. So while this thread has gone wholeheartedly to the immigration debate, what about the first article of him calling people who do not buy electric vehicles evil and unChristian?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

In this case, where it’s not just one or two columns, but seems to have been going on for a very long time, I would mention it to the priest.

I would say that in my experience, when it comes to deacons, this is not unusual. I have heard homilies from a couple of deacons who seem to have the same kind of penchant for bringing up current political issues, such as immigration or the environment. I think his opinion on something like the electric car can easily be dismissed. I have a great deal of experience with electric cars, and they are not only impractical for many drivers currently, but they pose huge environmental issues of their own relating to battery technology and disposal, not to mention that electricity generation also comes with its own set of environmental concerns.

If you tell the priest and he just lets it go by, then I too would just ignore it, at least until you get a new parish priest. I hate to say this but most deacons who I have met are a little bit odd in some way, whether it’s getting carried away with social justice, or just coming off like Ned Flanders. I am sure there are deacons out there who are perfectly nice normal Joe-next-door types, but in my experience those guys are more likely to just join the Knights of Columbus, not become deacons.

 

[JoeFreedom]

Agreed, immigration is not a neutral topic, but my post was originally to address the prudence of using a parish bulletin to espouse political opinion to its parish members.

Also, I’ve seen many use Pope Francis’s words as a strongarm to push for their agenda because it now aligns to those who tend to lean left, and they say we must listen to him since he is Pope, when in fact as Catholics we know that unless he speaks ex cathedra, he is speaking his opinion. If another Pope were to speak his opinion and it disagreed with yours (in the past some popes had a likely different stance on the death penalty than many on the left had, but never used this same argument).

 

[adgloriam]

Thanks for setting the record straight on those rumors that were getting started @TheLittleLady.