Minnesota Archbishop: Pray Against Gay Marriage. What About the Sex Abuse Victims?

The true heinousness of the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy continues to be on open display. Even as a report in the Netherlands reveals that easily 20,000 children and youths were molested in Catholic institutions, what does the morally bankrupt Archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis focus on? Denying loving, committed same sex couples from CIVIL marriage rights. Rights that would increase family stability and as one new report indicates the general health conditions of individuals in same sex marriages. The image above shows the message being circulated throughout the archdiocese. Frankly, I suspect that God has a reserved seat in Hell for Archbishop John Nienstedt - along with so many other members of the Church hierarchy who directly or indirectly supported a worldwide policy to protect sexual predators rather than children and youths. Obviously, Nienstedt wants to distract the sheep in the pews from focusing on the fact that they are being duped and manipulated by those who ought better be behind bars. Here are highlights from Think Progress on this anti-gay jihad (note the contrast between the Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church):

Minnesota Archbishop John Nienstedt is asking Catholics to recite a “special prayer” condemning the right of gay and lesbian people to marry, the Star Tribune is reporting. The request is just the latest effort in the archdiocese’s campaign to whip up support against the state’s pending constitutional amendement to outlaw marriage equality. The prayer explains that marriage is “a source of blessing and joy,” before asking parishioners to deny this happiness to gay people

In October, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis called on priests to appoint special committees to “spearhead this effort at the local level” so as to prevent a “detriment to the common good of society.” The Catholic Conference is one of three arms of “Minneosta for Marriage,” the coalition advocating for the discriminatory amendment. In a joint statement, the MCC and Archdiocese proclaimed that anyone who does not support the amendment is not in “good standing” with the church, although Catholics largely support marriage equality, even at higher rates than the general public in some polls.

Fortunately, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, has passed a resolution opposing the proposed constitutional amendment, explaining, “The Episcopal Church in Minnesota has always stood with the marginalized” and “embraced both the Gospel mandate of love of neighbor and the Baptismal Covenant imperative to respect the dignity of every human being.”

Given the Catholic Church's blatant forays into supporting legislation - something 501(c)(3) non-profits are forbidden to do - when is the IRS going to get off its ass and start the process of revoking the archdiocese tax-exempt status? Hit the bastards where it really hurts.