NEW: Statement from @WashArchbishop on Trump's visit to the JP II shrine: "I find it baffling and..

[demmiblue]

NEW: Statement from @WashArchbishop on Trump's visit to the JP II shrine: "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles"

Link to tweet

[BusyBeingBest]

1. Hope Pope Francis says something--don't let Donnie Destructo try to co-opt

any part of the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II's legacy.

[cilla4progress]

2. So...conflicting stories...

I read last night orange dickhead didn't ask and admins (?] of church were appalled??

[demmiblue]

7. That was regarding his visit to St. John's yesterday.

He is going to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine for his photo op today. I don't know any further details.

[Tanuki]

10. I think you are referring to his visit yesterday to St. John's Episcopal Church.

He just showed up without prior notice or permission and had his thugs gas and club anyone who didn't get out of his path. The clergy were appalled and denounced his use of their facility (and the bible) as a sacrilegious and sickening stunt. The current story is in regard to today's scheduled photo up at a Roman Catholic shrine. Today it's the Catholic clergy's turn to be disgusted and angry.

[The Magistrate]

3. If It is A Catholic facility, Ma'am, Surely The Archbishop Of The Diocese Has Some Say In Its Use

He ought to be able to order any clergy out and the doors locked.

[Drunken Irishman]

6. It's not. I believe it's operated by the Knights of Columbus.

This is likely why Trump chose it as opposed to going to the actual church.

[The Magistrate]

8. And K of C Pays No Attention To An Archbishop, Sir?

Have they no fear for their immortal souls?

[BusyBeingBest]

16. My understanding is that this archbishop is Episcopal, commenting

on Catholic matters. I could be wrong about that. On edit--no, he might be a Catholic archbishop. It says "our" in the tweet.

[The Magistrate]

18. I Just Looked Him Up, Ma'am --- Seems To Be Catholic

I was going to say, if he was Episicopal, he can butt right out. I'm an old Catholic boy, and though long since out of the racket, there are a few things that stick....

[BusyBeingBest]

21. Yep, I'm an old Catholic girl. I'm glad the Archbishop is saying something, but now

it needs to go higher up the chain of command.

[Tanuki]

13. Bill Barr is a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus.

Just sayin'.

[NotAPuppet]

4. Hand every protestor

A BIBLE! Each and every one of them!

[Mariana]

19. What are you waiting for? Go! nt.

[Kingofalldems]

5. I'm hearing it is the Knights of Columbus

who are letting this atrocity happen.

I know they are huge Trump fans.

[demmiblue]

9. Ah, thanks. Figures.

Link to tweet

To the protestors!

[Budi]

11. "YOU SUCK"

[BusyBeingBest]

17. Bunker Bitch is my personal favorite.

[Hortensis]

12. Anyone know what the archbishop expected the "facility" to do?

I can't find the published statement yet. We all of course would have loved them to step out to flashing cameras and order the president to get his vicious and blasphemous ass off their steps.

[demmiblue]

14. 'I find it baffling and reprehensible': Catholic Archbishop of Washington slams Trump's visit to Joh

‘I find it baffling and reprehensible’: Catholic Archbishop of Washington slams Trump’s visit to John Paul II shrine

President Trump visited a D.C. shrine honoring Pope John Paul II on Tuesday, a day after his appearance in front of an Episcopal church across from the White House set off a controversy because it involved aggressively clearing peaceful protesters.

In a statement Tuesday morning as the president was arriving, Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory slammed the visit and the tactics Trumped had used for the photo opportunity at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree,” Gregory said.

The large shrine was opened as a museum to John Paul in 2001, but nose-dived financially and was bailed out in 2011 by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s religious organization that has lobbied for conservative political causes, such as opposing same-sex marriage.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/06/02/trump-catholic-shrine-church-bible-protesters/

[ok_cpu]

15. I am a member of the K of C

I contacted the main office this morning and received voicemail. I also emailed my feelings that in light of last night's events, the shrine and our faith should not be used as a prop. No response as of this moment.

I know there are strong feelings regarding the Catholic Church here on DU. And they are largely well earned. My experience is that what I refer to as the "lower case church", along with my K of C council, are different from "The Church". The ledger isn't balanced, and I'll accept any flack that comes my way, but the parishes and local councils do good work in the communities they serve. And I'm fortunate that my parish is not hard conservative - neither in leadership nor membership.

That being said, I am also having myself removed as a member. That this visit went forward today is disgraceful.

[Mariana]

20. The majority of Catholic voters cast their ballots for Trump in 2016.

No one should be terribly surprised by this.