Though the archbishop may rightly argue that they are objectively wrong in their positions, I don't understand how he can presume to know the consciences of Vice President [Joe] Biden and Senator [Tim] Kaine sufficiently to question the genuineness of their faith and condemn them personally.

John I. Jenkins

Categorized in : President Vices Biden

As Pope Francis says in Amoris laetitia, pastors must "make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations. We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them" (no. 37). As for the former statement, we should only be afraid if the church is smaller because of our failure to welcome people and preach the Gospel in a way that touches their hearts.

John I. Jenkins

faithful heart people

To the extent that we sow love where there is hate and light where there is darkness, each in his or her own walk in life, we can heal, enlighten, and unify.

John I. Jenkins

hate light darkness

I've seen many dig in their heels and becoming disenchanted with the church because of these kinds of denunciations from coreligionists. We have to find a better way to witness to our faith and our convictions.

John I. Jenkins

becoming church way

I have reflected a great deal on that event, and continue to do so. I cannot give you a complete answer in a few sentences. But I would say that I was struck at that time by the vehemence of the anger from various sides, and the anger was in many cases directed at those who share a Catholic faith. I understand that such anger, such vehemence arises from sincere and passionate conviction, but I believe expressing it in such vitriolic terms gets us nowhere.

John I. Jenkins

catholic giving believe

Worst thing about Al Smith dinner : it was another reminder of how far we are from the amity between opposing sides that is needed for effective governance.

John I. Jenkins

dinner als sides

Pope Francis has taught us by his example how we can witness with our lives and actions to our faith and moral principles, but still engage respectfully with those who disagree. He's urged us to find a "new balance," going beyond the few wedge issues of our politics, so we do not lose the "freshness and fragrance of the Gospel."

John I. Jenkins

taught-us issues balance

I'm reluctant to draw many conclusions from private correspondence leaked without permission.

John I. Jenkins

conclusion draws permission

I am far more concerned about policies of the Democratic administration and Democratic Party that infringe on the rights of religious institutions and practices and open the door for using taxpayer dollars for abortions, to which many Americans have profound moral objections. Those are steps that would show a lack of respect for Catholics and their institutions.

John I. Jenkins

party religious rights

We have perhaps all said things in unguarded moments that we would not want printed in newspapers.

John I. Jenkins

newspapers moments want

Best thing about Al Smith dinner: Cardinal Dolan got the candidates together for a brief prayer before going out on the stage.

John I. Jenkins

going-out prayer together

But rather than trying to understand and rise above them, as leaders should, the [presedential] campaigns have often simply channeled these negative emotions. This has made the substance and tone of much of the discussion not only unpleasant and uninspiring, but the acrimony and divisiveness are not healthy for our democracy.

John I. Jenkins

democracy healthy leader

We are called to serve the common good by engaging with political and other institutions, even in our pluralistic society. We bring to that effort Christ's command to love and the grace that helps us live that love.

John I. Jenkins

effort political grace

I live near Amish communities in northern Indiana and I have the greatest respect for such faithful people. They attempt to live their faith more fully by separating themselves, as far as possible, from the wider culture and its influences. That has never been the teaching of the Catholic faith.

John I. Jenkins

community teaching people

[Pope Francis] has done this not through angry speeches, but through the powerful symbols and examples of embracing a badly deformed man, welcoming refugees to the Vatican, strolling through a shanty town in Rome, visiting a home for the elderly, washing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, and going to a hospital for newborns.

John I. Jenkins

powerful home men

I've never met anyone who has changed his mind or deepened his faith because he has been confronted with such angry condemnations.

John I. Jenkins

condemnation mets mind

[Pope Francis] has reminded us that the way we live our lives is the most important expression of our Catholic identity.

John I. Jenkins

catholic important expression

No doubt the [presedential] campaigns have reflected some anxiety, anger, and resentment in the nation at large, and we must try to understand these attitudes in the electorate.

John I. Jenkins

anxiety doubt attitude