I’m trying…really I am. I’m trying to find a way to view or listen to the Al Smith Dinner tonight with Mitt Romney and President Obama with Cardinal Dolan. I’m following several twits (I know that’s not what they are but even though I tweet I love to call myself a twit).
Cardinal Dolan issued a statement here regarding our need to return to civility. I especially like this quote:
“…the teaching of the Church, so radiant in the Second Vatican Council, is that the posture of the Church towards culture, society, and government is that of engagement and dialogue. In other words, it’s better to invite than to ignore, more effective to talk together than to yell from a distance, more productive to open a door than to shut one. Our recent popes have been examples of this principle, receiving dozens of leaders with whom on some points they have serious disagreements. Thus did our present Holy Father graciously receive our current President of the United States. And, in the current climate, we bishops have maintained that we are open to dialogue with the administration to try and resolve our differences. What message would I send if I refused to meet with the President?”
What do you think about both candidates participating in this dinner?
churchworkhome 
I have grown increasingly upset in recent week to see Catholics lambasting Cardinal Dolan for inviting Obama to the dinner. There was no scandal here. There is no way that an intellectually honest voter could mistake this incident as a Democratic endorsement by the Church. And most importantly – who is ANYONE to criticize the pastoral decision of a Cardinal? Unless a Catholic leader is acting in sin, we are to respect their leadership. Boycotting and protesting was uncalled for, in my opinion.