71 - 80 of 82 Comments

1. Joanne S.

   9 months ago

   I wonder how informed many of the commentators here are about Obama's commitment to the abortion industry, his commitment to socialism and destruction of capitalism, his executive orders creating unelected czars to decide how we will live our lives, the deficits he is creating to bring down the U.S., his refusal to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act that was passed by Congress, etc. Are people really that naive? Is Cardinal Dolan really that naive?
   
   Inviting Obama to the Al Smith Dinner is the worst thing I can imagine Cardinal Dolan doing. Any money raised for Catholic Charities is not worth the tradeoff when Catholic Charities is forced to close because of the HHS Mandate. I worry that Cardinal Dolan's loyalty to the Democrat Party has blinded him to Obama's hatred for the Catholic Church. The Democrat Party of today, unlike the Party of the 60's, sees the Catholic Church as the only organization opposed to its agenda of gay marriage, unlimited abortion, genetic engineering, euthanasia of the elderly, unlimited pornography, etc., etc.
   
   Wake up, Your Eminence, and don't give the Obama-loving media the opportunity to spin this invitation to his advantage. If you want to seem non-partisan, don't invite Romney either--but please don't open the door for Obama to come in and persecute the church, a sure-fire agenda that would follow his election.

2. KarlVDH

   9 months ago

   The man is the President of the United States. It makes absolute sense to build bridges with him regarding our charitable works. Unless, of course, you all feel that political gestures and nonsense are more important that the real, live people who need help. you make up your own mind, but I think what the good Cardinal did makes all the sense in the world.

3. Romario Fernando

   9 months ago

   I live in the Middle East and in a worldly sense, there are so many things to be mad about when it comes to Obama and America, in general. The stances on abortion, homosexuality, war etc. are enough to drive anyone mad.These things are now coming to be accepted in society as the norm, which is quite sad.
   
   But, reading this has reinforced my hope. Hope in the Church, its people, its purpose and all it stands for. You see, no matter how far gone someone is - it is our job, as people of the Church to be able to step out beyond our own comfort zones and find it in our hearts to forgive, regardless of whether someone is looking for it or not. We're called to love, unconditionally - but, beginning to fathom unconditional love, is so difficult, because we're always plagued by conditions.
   
   All I can say is, there will always be hope - because Jesus came for the sick and the broken. As hard as it is to embody that - it is, however, the endgame and there will always be people who strive to accomplish exactly that. Offering that olive branch to Obama, is pure wisdom descended forth from the Holy Spirit. It's a way of saying, "The doors are open, if you choose to come home." The cardinal is looking beyond all his failures and shortcomings and being exactly what he should be, an example to his flock. He is not condoning Obama's actions, but, forgiving them, 70 times 7, for all the people to see.
   
   We're called to a life of service and that service should be extended forth to even the worst sinners. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and therefore, will always have a light shining somewhere, no matter how deeply buried it may seem. It is our job to continually search for that light, even in the darkness, by being light itself. He puts the ordinary in extraordinary situations to bring faith, hope & love.
   
   Be blessed.

4. Erica

   9 months ago

   I signed the petition for the invitation to be withdrawn but I don't expect that to happen. Last night, I had the same thought Mrs. Hartline did, that there is a purpose behind this action that we don't know. I think we should all pray that the Holy Spirit and Cardinal Dolan work together in perhaps using this event as an opportunity to proclaim truth and pour His Light into dark corners. We should all pray for the conversion of this President and those who work in concert with him. We are weary of the scandals but Jesus has borne it all already and His is the victory.

5. abey

   9 months ago

   In the Catholi & Christian, to the interest of the ordinary, be it not like the British promoters of God TV who say Vote, Vote your conscience & then show Obama, irrespective whether intentional or co-incidental, remembering that a mistake by the early parents lead to the shedding of the most precious blood of Christ to the correction, to mankind's loss of time, again so precious.

6. Christopher Dwight Mejia London

   9 months ago

   Cardinal Dolan is a learned man, a fair and decent man. He is nobody's fool. The foregoing being said, I think among Catholics there is room to disagree as I do not believe that President Obama has been "the worst President in American history" -- far from it in fact. As Americans we are living in surreal times and I do not believe that one man who took the reigns of this nation as the economy was still on a downward spiral pulling many down along with it, is to blame for what ails this nation. Obama has frustrated Democrats, Republicans, Cathollics and non-Catholics. I do believe that Obama is guided by the Christian spirit and humanity for others. The thing Obama is most criticized for is his work in community organizing in lower income communities in Chicago. This is not a man who is indifferent to the challenges of the common man. NOW, is he a servant to Catholic teaching? I think not always on every issue. This is where Church leaders can extend an open hand, an open heart and persuade through reason and compassion why a certain morality or ethic is in the best interests not just of Catholics but society as a whole. I am excited to be a Catholic in New York City under Cardinal Dolan, he is a man of the world, a man of the spirit and a man of the people all the same. I trust that his approach will impact the political process always, in a thoughtful manner that elevates all of god's children.

7. dorndiego

   9 months ago

   You see Barack Obama as the devil's disciple, a tyrantking, the enemy of freedom and life. I see him as an ordinary politician, somewhat more honest and real than the previous president; when compared to your fellow Republicans he could pass for a saint. Catholics have traded in absolutes for too long. This "with me, or against me" helmet has drained the church, and isn't going to speed you on your way way toward some blessed reward in the hereafter. Try to understand; hate is not a virtue. This new inquisition of yours is alarming and simplistic. No good can come of it.

8. Rob Warner

   9 months ago

   Cardinal Dolan is surely guided by the Holy Spirit. I dont fear anything he says or does because of that fact. Cardinal Dolan, I stand behind you, man of God. You are what the church needs in these confusing times.

9. Terrence P Tuffy

   9 months ago

   On the feast of St. Lawrence's act of defiance we pray you get the hint.

10. Liz

    9 months ago

    Thank you Jennifer once again for expressing that which is very heavy on our hearts this morning. You speak for us and we join in prayer with you. God Bless you and the Holy Spirit continue to guide you in your writings. I do hope you forwarded this letter to Bishop Dolan.

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