The Churches

STANDING UP FOR DEMOCRATS . . . "What this really boils down to is a reluctance to support anything that might be seen as a Republican plank, in spite of the fact that it's in line with Church teaching and the bishops' stated objectives," says Deal Hudson, Crisis magazine editor, in regard to apparent pulling back by RC bishops on the Federal Marriage Amendment that would leave states free not to recognize gay marriages.

We don't want to get political about it, the bishops' man said in a recent meeting of church people and politicos, Hudson heard. We don't want to be partisan, is what he said, the bishops' press rep told Hudson, who asked him about it. Either way, it's a weakening of support, said Hudson. Dems would rather not commit yet either, would rather wait till after the election. But this anything-but-Republican approach fits many bishops but especially their national staff. Or so it seems to me.

The meeting, called by Sen. Sam Brownback (R.-Kas.), was "a veritable 'who's who' of evangelical Protestants, Jewish rabbis, and priests," plus some senators who back the amendment. The bishops' man is Monsignor William Fay, genl secy of the bishops' conference. The press rep is Monsignor Francis Maniscalco.

posted by Jim Bowman @ 5/14/2004 07:12:00 PM