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I am seeking advice from my fellow Knights. First, I believe the K of C is the strongest prolife movement in North America. Not only on a national level, but on state and local levels it is outstanding. I do not question that, just a concern on local practice.
My local council *indirectly *owns a large building, used for K of C functions, but also rented out to many individuals and groups, for social or business functions. There is a local politician who had joined the K of C at another council, and formerly supported Catholic social teaching on Prolife, gay marriage, etc. Now he very publicly has switched to Pro abortion, and was even criticized by our local bishop by name. I do not know if he still is a Knight.
Our council - or rather, our corporation through which the building is operated by us - has begun renting out the hall to him for an annual public forum. He uses campaign money to finance a breakfast for participants, who come to learn about services, and also a “state of the district” talk. The services do not include anything opposed to Catholic teaching. The advertising for the event does not state it is a K of C event; but it takes place at what everyone refers to as the Knights of Columbus Hall, and that term for the hall is mentioned on the politician’s advertising.
The council does not advertise this event, has no connection other than our “home corporation” gets a rental check. Perhaps he uses our caterer as well. I have complained that we should have nothing to do with such persons, that appearing at our venue gives him a respectability. But the argument to continue this is based on the fact that we rent to people all year long, and that these services he gives information about do not contradict Catholic teaching.
Anyone have experience with this kind of dilemma? I assume my fellow knights are aware that councils cannot own real estate, that the hall is technically owned by a “separate” entity, but everybody assumes the K of C owns our hall.
My local council *indirectly *owns a large building, used for K of C functions, but also rented out to many individuals and groups, for social or business functions. There is a local politician who had joined the K of C at another council, and formerly supported Catholic social teaching on Prolife, gay marriage, etc. Now he very publicly has switched to Pro abortion, and was even criticized by our local bishop by name. I do not know if he still is a Knight.
Our council - or rather, our corporation through which the building is operated by us - has begun renting out the hall to him for an annual public forum. He uses campaign money to finance a breakfast for participants, who come to learn about services, and also a “state of the district” talk. The services do not include anything opposed to Catholic teaching. The advertising for the event does not state it is a K of C event; but it takes place at what everyone refers to as the Knights of Columbus Hall, and that term for the hall is mentioned on the politician’s advertising.
The council does not advertise this event, has no connection other than our “home corporation” gets a rental check. Perhaps he uses our caterer as well. I have complained that we should have nothing to do with such persons, that appearing at our venue gives him a respectability. But the argument to continue this is based on the fact that we rent to people all year long, and that these services he gives information about do not contradict Catholic teaching.
Anyone have experience with this kind of dilemma? I assume my fellow knights are aware that councils cannot own real estate, that the hall is technically owned by a “separate” entity, but everybody assumes the K of C owns our hall.