Boycott the Knights of Columbus

Father Jeff Farrow has a new post on his blog that takes the Knights of Columbus to task for the organization's opposition to gay marriage. The Knights likewise need to be boycotted for their mindless ass kissing of the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy notwithstanding the moral bankruptcy of the hierarchy as evidenced by the sex abuse scandal and deliberate cover up of the molestation of minors. The Knights were founded to protect families and children, yet the organization in its slavish brown nosing of corrupt bishops and cardinals - and yes Popes - has closed its eyes to threats and intimidation of families and abuse victims by members of the hierarchy. As a former 4th Degree Knight, I am ashamed now to ever have been affiliated with the organization in light of its more recent conduct. They have betrayed the vision of their founder and have thrown the children of LGBT couples on the trash heap. Here are some highlights from Father Jeff's post:

*

Many priests have E-mailed me and expressed their rage and anger over the hypocrisy of the Catholic hierarchy in supporting anti-marriage equality legislation. They have often referred to the bishops as “old queens” who blithely support anti-gay efforts, because of their own self-loathing. One of the organizations, which the bishops have effectively employed to do their dirty work, has been the Knights of Columbus.

*

So, what can priests do to fight the anti-gay agenda of the bishops and the K of C? Here is a short list:

*

1) Borrow the full amount against your Knights of Columbus life insurance policy immediately. Take the check and invest the funds with an LGBT friendly fund. Do not pay back the loan. If every priest and K of C insurance policy holder were to do this, it would create a considerable capital drain on K of C and cripple their ability to write large checks to thwart LGBT legislation and ballot initiatives.

*

2) If you are a layperson, write them at tell them why you have done this. If you are a priest, simply inform them that you have decided to use the funds to promote social justice.

*

3) Pastors have the power to decide what is published in the Sunday bulletin and what is announced at Mass on Sundays. Do not let the K of C publish or announce.

*

4) Pastors may grant or withhold permission for organizations to use church facilities for their meetings. Most parishes have very tight facility scheduling. Create a program and tell the K of C they need to meet elsewhere. Eventually, they will get the message.

*

Economic boycotts helped bring down an unjust regime in South Africa and brought an end to apartheid there, it can work here too.

*

To this list I would add avoiding contributing monies to the Knights' various charities and give the money to other charities that serve the same beneficiaries - and let the Knights know why you are doing so. Similarly, boycott the Knights' Lenten fish fries and other functions. And if you are a member of the Knights, resign and tell them why you are doing so.