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. Pfleger’s 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.
stoneham's ghost says:
"....and if he does it again, he will get--THE COMFY CHAIR!" OOOOH such a pinch! When are they going to stand up to this clown and show the kind of principled leadership that is needed?
Weekly Reader says:
Pfleger does not seek to serve, he seeks to destroy. Best he not be foisted upon any church anywhere on terra ferma. Let us send Africa malaria nets not a retrovirus to plague souls.
jay_smith says:
Perhaps Father Phfleger could better serve a Church in Africa.