October 26, 2016 Editor

PAULIST FATHERS STATEMENT ON MORAL ISSUES IN THE 2016 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

photo above: St. Mary’s of the Lake, Lake George, N.Y. – Paulist Fathers, www.paulist.org

Though this is not a ringing disavowal of war (when will the RC Church – and so many other churches – ultimately reject “just war” for the heresy it is?), it in many ways is encouraging. And though the Paulist Bishops seem largely oblivious of the holocaust and genocide that has dogged the American experiment since its inception, and renders, in terms of current worldwide reach, America as the most evil Empire of all history, the link to the document leads to worthwhile and hopeful reading.

an excerpt:

“The American people may rest assured that whenever a question arises involving fundamental principles, Catholics will always be found on the side of liberty, fair play and equal rights.”
– Servant of God Isaac Thomas Hecker (1819-1888), Paulist Fathers founder

It is hard to imagine a more challenging period in recent American politics than the 2016 presidential election cycle. It has been a year dominated by shocking headlines that have left us disturbed and often disoriented.

Language and methods once considered out-of-bounds for political candidates have been found acceptable by a not-insignificant number of our fellow citizens.
Prejudices that we hoped dead were merely sleeping. These prejudices have been awakened and given new voice.

As a community of Catholic priests, we do not endorse political candidates or political parties. But, the issues of 2016 are not just political. More than ever, the themes of this presidential campaign are moral ones that we, and all people of good will, are compelled to face and address.

In particular, we are obliged to address the five areas of concern outlined below.

Please click on: Paulist Fathers on US 2016 Election

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Editor

Wayne Northey was Director of Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman – Restorative Christian Ministries (M2/W2) in British Columbia, Canada from 1998 to 2014, when he retired. He has been active in the criminal justice arena and a keen promoter of Restorative Justice since 1974. He has published widely on peacemaking and justice themes. You will find more about that on this website: a work in progress.

Always appreciate constructive feedback! Thanks.