Droppings from the Catholic Birdcage: "Picture of Catholic Religious Standing with Micah Clark, Curt Smith and Eric Miller at the Governor's RFRA Signing Ceremony Was Truly 'Cringe-Worthy'"

Michael McAninch of Westfield, Indiana, writing to Indianapolis Star on 11 April: 

For several years, the Indiana Catholic Bishops, using a paid lobbyist, have funded efforts to eliminate Hoosiers' access to birth control, amend the Indiana Constitution to prohibit gay marriage, and most recently, legalize discrimination of Hoosier LBGTs in the public marketplace. 

Here are the results of your efforts: Birth control access is guaranteed by the ACA, Indiana law recognizes gay marriages, and the LBGT discrimination is now illegal. 

The picture of Catholic religious standing with Micah Clark, Curt Smith and Eric Miller at the governor's RFRA signing ceremony was truly "cringe-worthy" and scandalous. Instead of making a statement about Catholic values, you have made Hoosier Catholics appear to be mean-spirited and out of touch with our fellow Hoosiers. 

With respect, Indiana bishops need to stop participating in the culture wars. Remember Pope Francis' words, "Who am I to judge?"

With thanks to Dennis Coday for a link to this letter in his "Morning Briefing" column at National Catholic Reporter today.