Tuesday, April 6, 2010

And the Winner is (drums please)...

...Father Michael Pfleger.




He will receive the "Office for Racial Justice Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of [his life] of service in pursuit of dismantling racism, injustice and inequalities on behalf of African Americans and all people of color."

-Two years ago he invited Jeremiah Wright, who was the spiritual adviser to then Senator Barack Obama, inside his church, to deliver a blessing during mass.

-In 2003 he invited Al Sharpton to speak in his church, to the objections of Francis Cardinal George, the same man giving him the award.

Catholic clergy, throughout history, have always stood up for the oppressed and for those who are less fortunate. They've spoken about the evils of race discrimination, violence, and have promoted equal opportunity for all human beings through peaceful means and often to the detriment of their physical well-being. But is this guy the best choice for this award?


Addendum

I certainly recognize that, while the level of racism in this country has diminished, there are still pockets of individuals who are pathetic and misanthropic enough to objectify and degrade another human being because of his or her race, gender, ethnicity, even sexual orientation. Most of us, thankfully, abhor such practices. Unfortunately, a few members of our society subsequently feel that the remaining segregationist and blinded-with-rage-morons still in existence gives them license to pump the masses with racially charged demagoguery.

6 comments:

Shirley said...

Well after watching that last video is sure is obvious that that person doesn't understand what he is saying. He is promoting hatred, and totally has no idea of what Jesus' message of love is about. I could go on at length, but I'm just too disgusted with his form of manipulation.

jessica said...

Are you kidding me?! I know I shouldn't dislike a priest but I really don't like him. I live near Chicago so he's in the news like all the time it seems! You can't go a week without him being either the center of attention or more often then not lingering in the background. He drives me crazy.

Tom in Vegas said...

Shirley-

"[H]as no idea of what Jesus' message of love is about.

Yet in the first video, Fr. Michael Pfleger refers to Jeremiah Wright as "one of the greatest biblical scholars this nation has."

They're BOTH two of the most obscene and transparent demagogues that you will find in religion today. Pathetic. I especially can't rook at Pfleger without recoil.

Tom in Vegas said...

Jessica-

Wow! I didn't know he was in the spotlight so often. I agree with your aversion to reporting negatively on any priest. But Father Longenecker has a great post about that precise sentiment. If you're interested, copy this link and read item #9 on his list:

http://gkupsidedown.blogspot.com/2010/03/dare-to-discipline.html

jessica said...

It's probably more of a local spotlight but he does seem to make the news. A couple years ago he was even temporarily removed from his Parish by Francis Cardinal George because of racially charged comments he had made. There was even a petition going around to keep him from preaching in the Church again but to no avail.

Thank you for the site, I checked it out, and I do agree with him! It is hard though because I know they're in authority over us and I don't want to be disrespectful, but I guess sometimes you just need to take a stand and by remaining silent you're doing more harm then good....

Joe of St. Thérèse said...

Both are embarassments...and I tend to be very even keeled...and get furious over these gjys