Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 10:32 PM Sep 2020

It's Not Anti-Catholic to Ask Amy Coney Barrett About Her Religious Group "People of Praise"

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Before the TV show appeared, women leaders were referred to as “handmaids.”

STEPHANIE MENCIMER
Senior Reporter

Members of the Christian right are lobbying hard for President Trump to tap 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. A current Notre Dame law school professor, 48-year-old Barrett is a devout Catholic and mother of seven children, two of whom were adopted from Haiti and one who is a child with Down syndrome—all attributes that conservatives see as evidence that she will help overturn Roe v. Wade if confirmed. But Barrett brings another resume entry to the table that, while possibly enhancing her appeal to evangelicals, makes her an unusual candidate for the job.

She’s a member of People of Praise, a charismatic covenant community in South Bend, Indiana, that has been criticized by former members for being a religious cult. Though most of its members are Catholic, its practices, including speaking in tongues and faith healing, draw more from fundamentalist and evangelical Christianity than the Vatican. One of its most notable features is the submissive role played by women, some of whom were called “handmaids”—at least until the Handmaid’s Tale aired in 2017, At that point, the group started referring to them as “women leaders.”

Advertise with Mother Jones

Barrett has written and spoken publicly about being a devout Catholic lawyer, even saying that during her confirmation hearing that she would not enter an order of execution if she were a federal trial judge because it would conflict with Catholic Church teaching. In 2006, she gave a commencement speech at Notre Dame law school in which she told the grads, “Always keep in mind that your legal career is but a means to an end, and…that end is building the kingdom of God.” But Barrett has not publicly addressed her involvement with People of Praise.

That hasn’t kept reporters from writing about it. Recent news stories about Barrett’s unorthodox religious community have prompted Republican supporters to go on the offensive. “These ugly smears against Judge Barrett are a combination of anti-Catholic bigotry and QAnon-level stupidity,” Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) complained on Tuesday, suggesting that Democrats were spreading their bias through the media. “People of Praise is basically a Bible study—and just like billions of Christians around the world, Judge Barrett reads the Bible, prays, and tries to serve her community. Senators should condemn this wacky McCarthyism.”

More:
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/09/its-not-anti-catholic-to-ask-amy-coney-barrett-about-her-religious-group-people-of-praise/

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
It's Not Anti-Catholic to Ask Amy Coney Barrett About Her Religious Group "People of Praise" (Original Post) Judi Lynn Sep 2020 OP
Sasse is a Missouri Synod Lutheran. The Falwells of the Lutheran Church. Captain Zero Sep 2020 #1
It might or might not be viewed as anti-Catholic FBaggins Sep 2020 #2
The constant whining "Religious Freedom" crowd will never shut there mouths. It's in their DNA. walkingman Sep 2020 #3
While each religion is peaceful, there is always that one sect that will "strap on the dynamite". CaptYossarian Sep 2020 #4

Captain Zero

(6,714 posts)
1. Sasse is a Missouri Synod Lutheran. The Falwells of the Lutheran Church.
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 10:52 PM
Sep 2020

If you want to join a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, you have to disclose your income so they can be sure you are giving at least 10 percent.

He spoke out against Trump a couple years ago, but I'm thinking they jerked him back into line with some kompromat.
He is showing up for choir practice pretty regular now.

FBaggins

(26,696 posts)
2. It might or might not be viewed as anti-Catholic
Sat Sep 26, 2020, 11:08 PM
Sep 2020

Though questioning three years ago came across to many as such...

... but it could still be seen as an unconstitutional religious test.

CaptYossarian

(6,448 posts)
4. While each religion is peaceful, there is always that one sect that will "strap on the dynamite".
Sun Sep 27, 2020, 09:46 AM
Sep 2020

I think we've found the nut jobs of Catholicism.

In every poll I've seen on the subject, a vast majority of real Catholics are pro-choice and have practiced birth control.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Editorials & Other Articles»It's Not Anti-Catholic to...