Is Pope Frank for Real?
In 2012, the Vatican accused U.S. nuns of taking up such “radical feminist themes” as social welfare and political action. The Romans saw income inequality as a distraction from Roman Catholicism’s issues of contraception, abortion and same-sex marriage.
There was hope that the new style Pope, Pope Frank, would change things. So far, however, Pope Frank seems to be more rose water than reform.
Especially here in Seattle, American nuns have continued to protest cuts in programs for the poor — irritating the Romans by not joining in the efforts to oppose same sex marriage, acceptance of gay Catholics and contraception coverage in Obamacare.
J. Peter Sartain
The head of the Inquisition, appointed a Cardinal by Pope Frank, has been adamant in calling for the sisters to accept the Church’s rules. At a meeting last year, the gentle smile of the Cardinal was a cover for harsh orders for the sisters. He targeted the Leadership Conference of Women Religious for “open provocation” because the nuns’ group bestowed their “Outstanding Leadership Award” on Sr. Elizabeth Johnson. The righteous Cardinal accused the Sister of doctrinal errors because she has written of women’s discomfort with “the dominant images of God as father, lord and king” in church liturgy.
Here in liberal Seattle, where many Catholics lead our liberal causes (including our gay, married mayor) we have an Archbishop, Peter Sartain. Mr. Sartain, the man responsible for reforming America’s nuns, has faced dissent from his own flock. Mr. (I refuse to bestow the tile of “father”) Sartain has met opposition. When 500 marchers appeared in front of St. James Cathedral in the summer of 2012, Sartain did not speak with the marchers and has stayed away from the weekly vigil on the steps of St. James.
Coward.
Since there is an inquisition occurring it does mean that a number of Nuns and American Catholics can be declared heretics. In the old days this would mean some good old fashion burnings, hangings, torture, ect. After the heretics were excommunicated, and some of the excommunicated were left alone, and what will happen is simply a number perhaps a large number will be shown the door.
Throughout the world American Catholics are thought to be out of step. It is generally tolerated, and although there is large political power here none of that power is going to be brought to bear to have a pope from the USA. Unless you have the power to become the Bishop of Rome one cannot say to the church no you Italians, French and other power makers within the church are wrong and there are now new policies reflecting the power of American Catholic thought.