WASHINGTON--After attacking Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) from the pulpit of the Obama family church, Trinity United Church of Christ, Father Michael Pfleger on Friday was rebuked by Chicago's Cardinal Francis George. Pfleger promised the Cardinal to muzzle himself when it comes to politics--and not even mention any candidate by name.
This episode--triggered by the media savvy Pfleger--comes as Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is on the verge of clinching the Democratic presidential nomination and is working to win Catholic votes. The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets Saturday here to wrestle with how to seat the disputed Michigan and Florida delegates.
George wanted to avoid having the Catholic Church caught in a political dispute.
"Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged. Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger¹s remarks about Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. I regret
that deeply," George said.
From the Chicago archdiocese....
Statement of Cardinal Francis George concerning remarks of
Fr. Michael Pfleger about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during
an address at Trinity United Church of Christ on Sunday May 25, 2008
The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently,
while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may
not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.
Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged.
Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger¹s remarks about
Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. I regret
that deeply.
To avoid months of turmoil in the church, Fr. Pfleger has promised me that
he will not enter into campaigning, will not publicly mention any candidate
by name and will abide by the discipline common to all catholic priests.
Isn't it about time The Cardinal transfer's Fr. Pfleger out of Chicago, far far away ?
Cardinal George is quite right that the church should stay out of politics. So -- why does the church deny the sacrament of communion to Catholics just because they support same-sex marriage, women's reproductive rights, etc.? By denying communion to Catholics whose political positions they oppose, the church is blurring the line between religion and politics.
Maybe he might also abide by the decency that is assumed to be common to all catholic priests.....
"And will abide by the discipline common to all catholic priests."
Oh, ho ho. That's a good one. I'll believe that when you transfer him from St. Sabina's after, what, 20 years?
Thanks Lynn.
Keep up the good work.
There are very few journalists I can stomach anymore.
and just about NO pundits.
It is always a pleasure however to see you on one of the talking head shows.
I actually stop my own screaming obscenities at the television when you show up.
;-)
thats it! thats all cardinal george has to say!
As a Catholic, I would expect the Cardinal to do the following: de-frock Pfleger - he is no longer a priest. Close St. Sabina's and deconsecrate it - then sell the property. This parish is not CATHOLIC. It is a PROTESTANT.
O silly me. The last time I looked Protestants were Catholic but not Roman Catholic.
Father Pfleger's comments were obnoxious, but my biggest concern is that people like Sean Hannity have added these comments to the montage of Rev. Wright comments and is looping them throughout his show. That is not to mention the way the rest of the media has presented these comments tying them to Obama. Must Obama be held responsible for every word uttered by every person with access to a podium?
Very disappointed in the Cardinal's slap on the wrist of Pfleger, this has further shamed the church just as it was coming back from sex scandals.
Deflock him and his Chicago church.
Shame on Pfleger and the Cardinal
When will people understand the difference between Moral and Political. When a child is murdered before birth or a women thinks she can carry another human being in her womb and not acknowledge that individual as separate from her is astounding.This is not political, this is humanity. I agree (though it is against my religion) that a women has a choice. The choice is whether to allow herself to get pregnant or not. That is where her choice ends. Homosexuality likewise is not a political choice. We as humans are doing what every failed society since the beginning of tine has done. You must have morality in a society or it will be destroyed. That is why he great people of the bible in Moses time were given these great rules to live by. This is why we must live by these rules or we will, as we are now, be destroyed.
Cardinal George should reassign Fr. Pfleger. This is what normally happens. He is treating Fr. Pfleger like a special case. Fr. Pfleger has promised to be obediant to his bishop. If he is not obediant then he excommunicates himself from the church. Maybe Trinity could use a new paster.
PLEASE GET OVER IT. THIS IS A RACIST COUNTRY,MANY WHITES FEEL THEY COME FIRST AND THERE ARE SEVERAL NORTHERN STATES THAT ARE NUMBER ONE FOR RACISM. INDIANA, KENTUCKY, ILLINOIS CERTAINLY RANK HIGH ON THE LIST. KU KLUX KLAN MEN AND WOMEN ARE PLENTIFUL IN ALL OF THE STATES. ONE EXPECTS THE SOUTH TO BE RACIST BUT AT LEAST THEY ARE OVERT AND NOT CONVERT WITH IT. THIS NATION ESPECIALLY LOTS OF WHITES WOULD RATHER DENY AND NOT TALK ABOUT THEIR HISTORY OF HATRED TOWARDS BLACKS. IT IS ALL DOCUMENTED! HATRED,GREED,AND LACK OF HUMANISM CAUSED SLAVERY IN THIS COUNTRY THE MURDER,RAPES AND SEPARATION OF BLACK FAMILIES IS DOCUMENTED . HILARY THINKS
BECAUSE SHE IS A WHITE PERSON (WOMAN TO BE EXACT)SHE HAS WHITE SKIN PRIVILEGE BUT THIS NATION HAS CERTAIN RULES FOR ANYONE WHO RUNS FOR PRESIDENT AND FITS ALL THE CRITERIA.SHE HAS NO MORE RIGHT THAN ANY OTHER USA BORN CITIZEN. WHITE PEOPLE THOSE OF YOU WHO STILL THINK THAT BLACKS ARE SAVAGE, UNEDUCATED AND INFERIOR GET OVER IT. LETS ALL REALLY TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF RACISM IN THIS COUNTRY LET'S SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE CAN WORK IT OUT. ALSO AS A PERSON OF COLOR I CAN TELL YOU THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY 59 YRS.OF LIFE IN AMERICA I AM FINALLY FEELING PROUD AND HOPING WE CAN GET IT RIGHT.THERE ARE MANY BLACKS WHO FEEL THE SAME WAY.
PERSONALLY APPLAUD ANYONE WHO TELLS THE TRUTH SO WHAT IF IT HURTS CHANGE YOUR HATEFUL WAYS.
You think???? Good Lord, what kind of minister is he? I have to ask and I already know , but for those who don't know. My question is ...what would Jesus do ,if he were invited to that church? Now you know the answer. So, is their a wolf among the sheep? Or just birds of a feather, flocking together?
In order to received communion, you must be in communion with the church, which means you must believe what the church teaches. It is not political!
Obama's new pastor Rev. Ottis Moss III referred to Father Pfleger as a "beloved brother, and our friend". He also condoned Pflegers racist and sexist rant by stating " we respect the messenger and the message" - the parishoners cheered Pfleger along in approval too! It is quite apparent by now that Obama himself chooses to go to this "Church" because of the racist views they embody. I believe Oprah Winfrey herself also attended this "Church" , which is why I will not watch her show or promote anything she does. If we want to rid this country of hate then we should demand that our children are not exposed to its evils, by refusing to attend houses of worship that are so far removed from the teachings of Jesus Christ - We must remember to "first do no harm"!
We've all seen the edited version of Pfleger's rousing speech, but have you seen the full uncensored, unedited version? http://www.236.com/news/2008/05/30/rev_michael_pfleger_does_stand_6843.php
Joaquin Cruz
I feel the same way. I am turning more and more to the print media - and those that focus on reporting. Thanks Lynn.
God forgive me but Pfleger is not a catholic priest, he is in the same class as the swine that attack, and disseminate hate from the pulpit. What kind of religion is that? must be devil worship. I have never been to church and heard anything like this in my life; it is disgusting and despicable. People like Pfleger, and wright are hate mongers, self hating, whether they are black or white, this sort of rhetoric is what begets more hate.
cardinal george should step aside too. In that weak statement, he basically endorsed a democrap.
What he should have done is reiterated the true Catholic position of voting only for pro-life candidates. If none are available, then either abstain or vote for the next best candidate (lesser of the evils...believe me, these democraps are completely evil in their quest for abortion on demand).
Both priest and cardinal should resign.
WHY IS THIS MAN A PRIEST,HE IS THE STRANGEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY WHOLE LIFE.HE'S NOT A CATHOLIC NOT WHITE NOT BLACK AND DEFINITELY DOESN'T BELONG LEADING ANY CHURCH.YET ALONE GIVING POLITICAL AGENDA FROM THE PULPIT.
I am a born and raised South Side Irishman. I spent 12 years in Catholic schools and my two young boy's currently attend Catholic Schools. I am disgusted and offended by Cardinal George's response to this fiasco. The very minumum Father Pfleger should be removed from ministry and sent to Alaska. He is a embarrassment to the catholic church and fine people of Chicago. This video is a world wide event right now and I am outraged the George continues to let him make a mockerey out of the Catholic relegion.
Cardinal George should be as tough on all Catholic chicago politicians. Chicago's Mayor Daley supports abortion and has friends steal the taxpayers blind, day after day, after day. I would throw Mayor Daley, family and friends out of the Catholic Church long before Father "Phony" Pfleger. We need to do more for our poor black residents than preach, lets get more jobs! Patrick McDonough.
Why is a Catholic Priest supporting a politician that supports abortion to include partial birth abortion? This priest has lost his way! I question this priest's right to remain ordained.
Gary
Resident of the Diocese of Fort Wayne / South Bend
Indiana
The hate that Fr. Pfleger spews was taught in the home. While it appears that he was raised poorly by his parents he is now a grown man & needs to learn that hate does not help this society move forward.
If this is how he preaches as a visiting preacher at Trinity, what in heavens name must be going on at St. Sabina,s? I looked at their website and based on what I read, I am wondering if the church is still a Catholic church.
I am not a Catholic, nor a Clinton supporter, but Fr. Pfleger's actions were appalling and clearly not appropriate for any church activity or public meeting. Fr. Pfleger's ego got in the way of his duties as a priest. He should be banned from public appearances.
AMERICA IS BEING TAKEN BACK TO THE 60'S BECAUSE THEY WON'T MOVE ON AND MONEY.TO FOLLOW CHRIST IS TO LOVE AND FORGIVE ALL, BUT BE ON WATCH FOR THE ONES THAT CLAIM THEY ARE SPEAKING HIS WORD, FOR GOD WILL HAVE A HEAVY HAND ON THEM! ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE TRUE AMERICANS NEED TO BE AMERICANS AGAIN, NO MATTER OF RACE OR CREED !
To BCC:
You wrote: "Cardinal George is quite right that the church should stay out of politics. So -- why does the church deny the sacrament of communion to Catholics just because they support same-sex marriage, women's reproductive rights, etc.? By denying communion to Catholics whose political positions they oppose, the church is blurring the line between religion and politics."
Your first sentence is correct. However same-sex marriage, women's reproductive rights, etc. are MORAL issues made political positions by politicians. The Catholic Church has a duty to address immoral issues.
The 'spirit' of Vatican II is still much alive. Not only the congregation, as well shown by the ignorant of Catholic Theolgy [or refusal to BELIEVE] remarks by BBC , but by clergy members. Liberation theology, secular humanism, relativism, cafeteria Catholic, I feel, I think, it should be this or maybe that. NO! IT IS WHAT IT IS!
My prayers are with people such as this.
Thank you,
John M.
P.S. I am waiting for the archbishop to take some proper action. Father Pfleger took an oath of obedience and faith upon his ordination. Obviously this means nothing to him. Either he leave the priesthood or make a full, truly repentful apology and promise never to do this again.
Cardinal George again is weak. This "priest" must be transferred away from his parish immediately. He needs a nice, peaceful retreat in Alaska. HE MUST GO!!!!
If the Cardinal continues to let this idiot and media hound do whatever he wants, Chicago Catholics of decency must protest by petition, organized marches in front of this idiot's so-called church, and finally, if no action is taken from the Cardinal, with-hold monetary support of the Church in Chicago.
Cardinal George, do your damn job! Enough Catholics are alienated already.
@BCC above:
"Cardinal George is quite right that the church should stay out of politics. So -- why does the church deny the sacrament of communion to Catholics just because they support same-sex marriage, women's reproductive rights, etc.?"
BCC, when we say "the church should stay out of politics" it means the Church should not name a candidate. But denying communion is a matter *within* the church and the denial is done because the Catholic person is in complete opposition to and contradiction with Church teachings i.e. that the killing of children through abortion is a major sin akin to manslaughter. In that case, it is *politics that should stay out of the church by refraining from criticizing intra-church matters.
PROTESTANT????? How dare you boy, a protestant did not say all that crap. You are as about as ignorant as Pfleger is. Pfleger is a white man trying to be black. All everyone is trying to do is start a race war so lets drop this crap here and now and do something constructive.
MAKE ST. SABINA'S PAY TAXES!!! SAME WITH OBAMA'S CHURCH!!!
It is a violation of tax law for these so called "churches" to be engaging in politics. YOU are subsidizing them because your taxes cover what they don't put in.
Cardinal, you made your bed, now lie in it. NO PRIEST or parish gets to veto who the Diocese sets up for their pastor. TRANSFER PFLEGER!!! You have allowed him to build a CULT of personality at St. Sabina's.
Also, if you watched the FULL video, I was left wondering---why is it that "Fr." Pfleger seems to think that to be FOR blacks, you have to be ANTI-white? This is NOT the way to bring people together.
Cardinal George is a coward. He's afraid to do what is right: expel Pfleger from the Archdiocese of Chicago and urge the Vatican to eject him from the priesthood. Forget politics. This Catholic priest preached hatred and racism and sexism from the the altar, the sacred altar. The video has been cut....the earlier version showed him inciting his congregation to violence. His brutal ridicule of Sen Clinton and his arrogant callous projection of the meaning of her tears was cruelty. This performance of his is the most unchristian behavior that I have personally ever witnessed in a priest. He has violated the Catholic Church. He has shamed all Catholics. He has violated his vows. He makes a mockery of Catholic priesthood and has distorted his ministry of peace and love and forgiveness and acceptance. . He should be removed from St Sabina's immediately. And if that congregation responds with violence, shut down the parish. He was entrusted with the care of St Sabina's.....he has destroyed that trust. He is a disgrace. He is dangerous. He is not a priest.
I'm wondering when the IRS will begin monitoring those churches that engage in politics from the pulpit, a clear violation of he 501(c)3 status churches have. Pfleger continually "preaches" politics, abusing the privilege he has been granted. If I was Catholic, I would be furious (as it is, I'm just extremely annoyed) over his confusion of when and how to be a citizen and when and how to be a priest.
Pfleger's behavior is just another example of the "Do Nothing" reaction of American Catholic bishops.
i am a catholic,have seen the church go through hard time, and i belonged to a sister chucrch of fr. pfleger's and have known for a long time that he does not like white people. in a time when people should be coming together and trying to heal differances, he lights fires and and throws gasoline on them to enrage. he needs to be transfereed out and a new face brought in to heal and unite people.
Fr. Pfleger I'm afraid took it too far. Cardinal George took the correct approach in meeting him and talking to him. Fr. Pfleger has done outstanding work within the community which many people do not know except for the recipients within the community.
I do not support any transfer of Fr. Pfleger until he decides to move on because he has always done outstanding work.
This is why this campaign needs to end....it is too emotionally charged due to the failed policies of Iraq, the No Child Left Behind Bill, Katrina, the GI Benefits,and many other positions.
We need leadership and it isn't McCain-Bush.
If any of the undeclared delegates have not decided, please decide next week after election day so the democratic party can begin working towards the big big prize........We cannot do anything winning 2nd place in this race. The World is counting on us!!!
Father Pfleger should be either defrocked or sent to somewhere he could be more useful, e.g., Zimbabwe. At this point, I am sure Obama would, secretly, agree with me. How can anyone be so obtuse as to think this puerile rant would be helpful to the candidate he supports?
LOOKS LIKE ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN YOUR POINT OF VIEW, BECAUSE
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, THERE WERE ALOT OF CATHOLIC PARISHES IN
CHICAGO, NOW ST. SABINA IS ABOUT THE ONLY ONE STILL OPEN!
THIS IS WHY THE DROPOUT RATE IS SO HIGH IN CHICAGO, OUR YOUTH
DON'T HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES I HAD GROWING UP, NOW THEY HAVE
TO GO TO UNDERFUNDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS, OVERCROWDED, GANG INFESTED,
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS A GREAT INSTITUTION IN EVERY
NEIGBORHOOD IN CHICAGO IN THE 70'S AND THE 80'S!
YOU MAY NOT LIKE FATHER MIKE, BUT HE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN
KEEPING ST. SABINA FROM BECOMING AN EMPTY LOT!
The church as every right, and the responsiblity, to speak out on moral issues (such as abortion) but it cannot endorse a specific candidate due to its tax exempt status. A bishop also has the right to deny communion to any Catholic who is publically prochoice. It comes with his office.
LEAVE PASTOR PFLEGER ALONE !!! He has done so much for That community than any other leader alive today...
Amen. Anonmous- This parish is Not Catholic And the Fathers of
the church St. Polycarp, St Justin Martyr, St Irenacus would be
disapointed. Forgive them Father for they not no what they do.
James
"Cardinal George is quite right that the church should stay out of politics. So -- why does the church deny the sacrament of communion to Catholics just because they support same-sex marriage, women's reproductive rights, etc.? By denying communion to Catholics whose political positions they oppose, the church is blurring the line between religion and politics."
I don't know what your religious affiliation is, but the Catholic Faith teaches that those who are in a state of mortal sin are not in the proper disposition to receive the Eucharist. Sexual activity outside of marriage (between a man and a woman) and practicing anything other than NFP are considered mortal sins. It has nothing to do with politics, but with Church teaching.
"Father" Pfleger sounds and acts more like a Baptist minister rather than a Catholic priest. He also seems to denegrate the mass with his guest speakers and soapboxing sermons. Pfleger do us Catholics a favor, leave the priesthood and become a protestant pastor at Trinity United Church. That seems to be a better fit.
Fr. Pfleger's decades of work in one of if not the largest African American Catholic parishes in the country should not be discounted because of this huge error in judgment on his part. Rather, Mike Pfleger would do well to be silent and listen to Sen. Obama and others who understand that poverty is the common enemy of poor whites and blacks and latinos and...Pfleger's frame of reference for the dialogue on race is rooted in the 1960's. Sen Obama is looking deep into the 21st Century. No one but Mike Pfleger could do what he has done at St. Sabina's. But lots of us can do better than he did on articulating the roots of racial and gender discrimination in the 21st. centruy. Come on, Mike! More listening and less grandstanding. Lives are at stake here!
Lynn,
I have stopped reading newspapers and news magazines (canceling all subscriptions)and stopped watching MSM. I do occasionally watch Fox, especially Greta. You are one of the few in the media to whom I can bear to listen. Keep up the good work!
The crying parody of Hillary presented by Reverend Pfleger is really nothing different than anything that I have seen on Saturday Night Live regarding the Senator and her unending campaign. Check the recent videos clips dealing with her quest for the Presidency.
Many of the blog comments at this site seem right in line with the mentality of gun-totting, Bible-thumping rural folk of the Old Confederacy, Appalachia, and central Pennsylvania. The angry white racist social types of the film "Deliverance" who would not vote for a Black man under any circumstances might not be totally absent in much of the media and this white-oriented blog.
Might I suggest an investigative visit to St. Sabina and Trinity to clarify any misconceptions about ministry in the Black community? These churches have wonderful liberating Gospel ministries successfully dealing with the poor and outcasts whom Jesus himself befriended in times of old.