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How Pope Reaffirmed Catholic Teaching On Gays

There's been a lot of talk about the comments that Pope Francis made during an impromptu discussion with reporters on the plane on his way back from Rio.

To hear tell from most news reports, you'd think that the Pope had basically redefined the Church's teaching on gay people and gay behavior. But that's not exactly what happened. Not quite.

First, the question posed to the Pope was about a so-called "gay lobby" within the Church. Here is his exact answer:

Then you spoke of the gay lobby. Agh… so much is written about the gay lobby. I have yet to find on a Vatican identity card the word gay. They say there are some gay people here. I think that when we encounter a gay person, we must make the distinction between the fact of a person being gay and the fact of a lobby, because lobbies are not good. They are bad. If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge that person? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this point beautifully but says, wait a moment, how does it say, it says, these persons must never be marginalized and “they must be integrated into society.”
The problem is not that one has this tendency; no, we must be brothers, this is the first matter. There is another problem, another one: the problem is to form a lobby of those who have this tendency, a lobby of the greedy people, a lobby of politicians, a lobby of Masons, so many lobbies. This is the most serious problem for me. And thank you so much for doing this question. Thank you very much!

A few important points:

1) The Pope makes a distinction between a gay person "who seeks the Lord and has good will" and one who does not. He also makes a distinction between a gay person who is part of a "lobby" (that is, who actively advances or seeks to advance a gay agenda) and one who does not. He is reflecting the traditional Catholic distinction between thought, word and action and between an inclination to act and actually acting.

2) The Pope reaffirms the Catholic belief that no matter who you are or what your orientation, if you honestly come to the Lord -- if, as a sinner, you sincerely seek him with an open heart and good will --you will not be turned away. You will be forgiven and your sins will be forgotten. The Pope said:

But sins, if a person, or secular priest or a nun, has committed a sin and then that person experienced conversion, the Lord forgives and when the Lord forgives, the Lord forgets and this is very important for our lives. When we go to confession and we truly say “I have sinned in this matter,” the Lord forgets and we do not have the right to not forget because we run the risk that the Lord will not forget our sins, eh? This is a danger.

3) The Pope also reaffirms Catholic teaching again when he says: "Who am I to judge?" In the end, God is the final judge -- only God. (See above)

4) Finally -- and perhaps most importantly -- Pope Francis refers back to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and says that the Catechism "explains the point beautifully." The Catechism is the definitive source for Church teaching. Here's what it says:

2358    The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

And, also this:

2359    Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection. (2347)

And, this as well:

2357    Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,141 tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.”142 They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved. (2333)

Note that all along the Church makes a clear distinction between gay orientation and actually acting on one's orientation -- between the orientation and the act.

Bottom line: The Pope espouses the dignity of every human being and calls for mutual respect while reaffirming basic Catholic teaching.

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Buono's Pick Of 'Millie Who?' - A Monumental Flop!

NJ TV’s Michael Aron: “Buono might have scored more points with this selection if it had been somebody of more stature in state politics. … A mayor … might have moved the meter a little bit more than ‘Milly Who?'” (NJ TV’s “Reporters Roundtable,” 7/27/13)

THE TAKEAWAYS:

• Milly Silva Is Entirely Unqualified To Be Lieutenant Governor. She has spent her career as a special interest organizer,  has never held elective office, worked in the private sector, nor served in government. Barbara Buono has put her own narrow political interests ahead of picking a qualified running mate.

• Picking Silva is a sell-out to the entrenched Trenton special interests who have backed Buono’s campaigns and Democratic politics over New Jersey taxpayer interests for years. 

• Picking Silva signals that Barbara Buono has no interest in supporting New Jersey’s small business, creating private-sector jobs or growing the economy. Her only interest is in catering to the narrow interests that have dominated Trenton for years.

• Silva will do nothing to grow Barbara Buono’s support in this election as she only doubles-down on Buono’s Corzine-era governing philosophy of higher taxes and more spending. 

• Silva praised former Governor Jon Corzine as a “true leader” and pledged to be “out in front” in his re-election campaign, but failed to vote in the primary or general election in 2009. 

Picking Silva Was Payback To The SEIU:

The SEIU Has Donated $22,000 To Buono Over The Course Of Her Career. (New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, Contributions To Candidates/Committees, Accessed: 7/28/13)

• In 2011 Alone, The SEIU Donated $17,400 To Buono’s Senate Re-Election Campaign.(New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, Contributions To Candidates/Committees, Accessed: 7/28/13)

• In Total, The SEIU Has Donated $2.5 Million To Democratic Candidates And Committees In New Jersey Since 1997. (New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, Contributions To Candidates/Committees, Accessed: 7/28/13)

The 1199 SEIU Was One Of Buono’s First Major Endorsements For Governor, Coming In January Of 2013. (1199 SEIU, “1199SEIU Delegates Endorse NJ State Senator Barbara Buono for Governor,” Press Release, 1/31/13)

A Special Interest Lifer:

Silva Has Spent Nearly Her Entire Professional Career Working For The SEIU.

• Silva Earns Over $125,000 A Year As A Vice President Of SEIU. (US Department Of Labor, Public Disclosure, Accessed: 7/28/13)

Silva has never held nor run for elective office, nor held any position in government nor the private sector. 

Silva’s Only Previous Employer Was Controversial Organization ACORN. “Silva's mother, Andrea Rodriguez, left Puerto Rico and took a job at a health-care agency in the Bronx to support her four children. She earned $5.25 an hour with no health insurance, said Silva, who in college began advocating for poorer workers through a New York chapter of ACORN.” (Erik Ortiz, “Unions court immigrants,” Herald News, 9/5/05)

Silva Is Hostile To Small Businesses:

The New Jersey Chapter Of The National Federation Of Independent Business“This is an unmistakable message to small business in New Jersey that big labor is going to have the run of the Statehouse …” (Tom Zanki, “Business Groups Wary Of Buono's Expected Running Mate,”

NJBIZ, 7/27/13)

• “Silva is a longtime union organizer and president of the SEIU Local 1199 — the organization is one of the most ideological political forces within the union movement, and has led fights in every state and in Washington, D.C., for policies that concern small-business owners."

• “This is [Senator Buono’s] first important decision as a candidate for Governor and it very clearly signals that she has already taken sides in future debates in which small business owners will have an interest … It’s very troubling and I think unfortunate for the business community in New Jersey.” (National Federation of Independent Business, “Small Business Worries about Labor Organizer on Gubernatorial Ticket,” Press Release, 7/29/13)

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce: "We have concerns about the lieutenant governor candidate in tandem with the governor. The track record doesn't leave a positive feeling.” (Tom Zanki, “Business Groups Wary Of Buono's Expected Running Mate,”

NJBIZ, 7/27/13)

New Jersey Business Leaders Were Critical Of Legislative Democrats For Holding Up “The Long-Stalled” Economic Opportunity Act By Not Simply Say[ing] No” To The SEIU And Their Prevailing Wage Amendment. “Summer recess notwithstanding, another week has passed in Trenton without lawmakers putting the finishing touches on the long-stalled Economic Opportunity Act … Still in focus is a provision that would require prevailing wages - effectively meaning union labor - for post-construction building services at projects that receive incentives. A source said business leaders have voiced their disappointment with Democratic leaders who didn't ‘simply say no’ to the Service Employees International Union, which backed the mandate. Opponents to that provision argued that such a requirement would make operating costs unworkable at a new building.”(“Grapevine,” NJBIZ, 7/8/13)

Silva Joined Buono In Praising Jon Corzine:

Silva Praised Jon Corzine As A “True Leader” And Said The SEIU “Will Be Out In Front To Help” His Re-Election. “Governor Jon Corzine has been a true leader and advocate for New Jersey's working families throughout his public service and we are proud to stand with him now as he has so often stood with us in the past … We will be out in front to help voters understand that Governor Corzine is fighting for their families …” (Kate Thomas, “SEIU Members in New Jersey Endorse Governor Corzine,” SEIU.org“SEIU Blog”, 8/28/09)

• However, Silva Failed To Vote In Either The Primary Or General Election In 2009. (Essex County Clerk’s Office, Election Record Information, Accessed: 7/29/13)

• Silva Also Failed To Vote In The 2007 & 2011 General Elections. (Essex County Clerk’s Office, Election Record Information, Accessed: 7/29/13)

Buono Called Corzine “Thoughtful And Deliberate On Fiscal Matters.” “I feel fortunate to serve in my position at a time when we have a governor who is thoughtful and deliberate on fiscal matters.Rather than resort to telling the people what he thinks they want to hear, he is refreshingly honest about our fiscal predicament.” (“Statement Of Senate Budget And Appropriations Chair Barbara Buono On The Signing Of The Fy2009 Budget,” Press Release, 6/30/08)

• “The governor has earned our respect by his willingness to be frank even in the face of criticism that this approach may not be the most politically expedient way of dealing with our fiscal problems.”

• “The Governor has set the bar high. It is up to the Legislature to meet this challenge …” 

Silva Does Not Think The Governor Should Represent Taxpayers:

Silva Took Issue With Assertion That The Governor Should Be Representing Taxpayer Interests In Negotiations With Unions. “No public employee in New Jersey is represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the union of which I am executive vice president. Furthermore, the notion that the interests of public-sector employees and the interests of taxpayers are somehow at odds is patently wrong-headed. Don't we, as taxpayers, want our public servants -- police, firefighters, teachers -- to be satisfied with their jobs and compensated fairly for the work they do for us and in our name? A governor should be an advocate for good jobs, both private and public. That is responsible, efficient and effective fiscal policy -- benefiting taxpayers and workers alike. Milly Silva, Montclair”

(“Reader Forum,” The Star-Ledger, 7/3/13)

Silva Does Not Help Buono Expand Her Appeal:

Monmouth University Pollster Patrick Murray: "It’s certainly a pick that says, ‘We know it’s a loser’s race, so let’s make sure it’s a study in contrasts ...”  (Jarrett Renshaw & Salvador Rizzo, “Buono picks running mate in battle against Christie, sources say,” The Star-Ledger, 7/25/13)

NJ 101.5’s Kevin McArdle: “I think it doesn’t really help Senator Buono with her own name recognition. She’s struggling a little bit, obviously, so it doesn’t really help her there.” (NJ TV’s “Reporters Roundtable,” 7/27/13)

• McArdle: "Maybe this is a major voice, that to be honest with you, I don't really know much about ... but maybe behind the scenes is a major voice that can get out that voice ... so that's really the reason I can imagine it was done, beyond that it doesn't really help to tighten the polls in any other way that I can think."

Montclair State University Political Science Professor Brigid Harrison: “But overall, Harrison said, she doesn’t see the nomination as a “game changer,” underscoring the upward battle Buono faces in the polls and in fundraising.” (Jarrett Renshaw, “Buono picks running mate in battle against Christie, sources say,” The Hunterdon Daily Democrat, 7/25/13)

NJ TV’s Michael Aron: “Buono might have scored more points with this selection if it had been somebody of more stature in state politics. … A mayor like Dana Redd or a Chris Bollwage or a Dawn Zimmer might have moved the meter a little bit more than ‘Milly Who’.” (NJ TV’s “Reporters Roundtable,” 7/27/13)

• McArdle: “Agree. With any of the names that you just mentioned, those mayors, I had heard of all of them.”

• Aron: "She may have wanted to pick a more liberal member of the legislature ... I don't know if she tried, but's it's tough to imagine a legislator giving up their seat to take a run. And a long-shot at that." (NJ TV’s “Reporters Roundtable,” 7/27/13)

“New School political science professor Jeff Smith, a former Democratic Missouri state senator who now lives in New Jersey, characterized the Silva pick bluntly as Buono's attempt to persuade the labor community to rescue her candidacy.” (John Celock, “Barbara Buono Picks Milly Silva As Running Mate In New Jersey Race,” The Huffington Post, 7/25/13)

• Smith: "Buono's selection seems to be a last-ditch effort to mobilize the party base behind a candidacy that is struggling to gain traction," Smith told HuffPost. 

• Smith: "She is clearly hoping that the money and clout of SEIU and allied public sector unions will be a shot in the arm. I doubt it will succeed." 

Glam Prez Plays, Campaigns; Sloughs Off Real Work

Video: Will THIS Be The Future Of New Jersey?

Pope Thanks WYD Volunteers With Hugs, Kisses

On Sunday, 28 July, before the closing ceremony of Word Youth Day, Pope Francis met with a group of young volunteers. In the Congress Centre Pavilion he encountered 15,000 of the 60,000 volunteers who have worked during the two years of preparation for the Brazilian World Youth Day. The young welcomed him with songs and applause, and Pope Francis greeted them warmly with hugs and kisses.

He thanked them for their work and “the countless little ways by which you have made this World Youth Day an unforgettable experience of faith. With your smiles, your acts of kindness and your willingness to serve, you have shown that 'it is more blessed to give than to receive'”.

He compared them to St. John the Baptist, “who prepared the way for Jesus”, he said. “And this is the most beautiful service we can give as missionary disciples: to prepare the way so that all people may know, meet and love the Lord. … May you always be generous with God and with others: one loses nothing thereby, but gains great enrichment in life”.

He continued, “God … has a plan for each of you: to discover that plan and to respond to your vocation is to move toward personal fulfilment. … Some are called to holiness through family life in the sacrament of Marriage”, and he commented that in today's cultural of the ephemeral, many say that marriage is out of fashion. “Many preach the importance of 'enjoying' the moment”, he said; “they say that it is not worth making a life-long commitment, making a definitive decision, for ever, because we do not know what tomorrow will bring”. He urged the young volunteers “to be revolutionaries, to swim against the tide; yes, I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees everything as temporary and that ultimately believes that you are incapable of responsibility, that you are incapable of true love. ... Have the courage to be happy”.

The Pope went on to say that the Lord calls some to the priesthood or to the religious life, and shared with the young volunteers his experience at the age of 17 of first hearing God's call. “Do not be afraid of what God asks of you! It is worth saying 'yes' to God. In Him we find joy!”

Finally, he addressed those who “may not yet know what you will do with your lives”, and encouraged them to “ask the Lord, and He will show you the way. … Do not forget what you have experienced here! You can always count on my prayers, and I know I can count on yours”.

Former PA. Governor Bill Scranton Dies

Former Pennsylvania Governor Bill Scranton has died.
Scranton was known as a moderate Republican.
He died at his home in California of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 96. 
Scranton was Pennsylvania's 38th governor, serving one term from 1963 to 1967. He challenged Barry Golwater for the GOP presidential nomination in 1964 and lost.

He was know as an establishment Republican and bridge-builder who proved very popular in his home state.

President Ford later appointed him America's ambassador to the United Nations.

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