Nun’s surprising comment at DNC: ‘We agree with our bishops’
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The nun’s short speech got less attention than the rousing address by former President Bill Clinton, or the cutting remarks by Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, but in her own way, Sister Simone Campbell said something remarkable at the Democratic National Convention.
Campbell, one of the so-called Nuns on the Bus who have toured the country this summer, declared that nuns agreed with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The topic was their opposition to a Republican budget plan, and it offered a rare moment of agreement between these two forces in the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. To appreciate Campbell’s comments, a little background is in order.
The nuns and bishops have had frosty interactions in recent years, and the relationship became more strained this past spring when the Vatican said that a group representing the majority of Roman Catholic nuns in the U.S. had deviated from church doctrine and had promoted what the Holy See called “radical feminist themes.”
The Vatican “assessment,” as the review is known, was the product of a three-year investigation and took a critical look at the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. The conference, based in Silver Spring, Md., is an umbrella organization for other groups composed of Catholic nuns.
And who published the Vatican assessment? The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
But on Thursday night, Campbell stressed their moment of agreement.
“Let me explain why I’m here tonight,” Campbell told the delegates Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Campbell said she and other sisters went on a 2,700-mile, nine-state bus journey to talk about the budget plan “that Congressman Paul Ryan wrote and Gov. [Mitt] Romney endorsed.”
Noting that Ryan is Catholic, she said, “Paul Ryan claims this budget reflects the principles of our shared faith. But the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that the Ryan budget failed a basic moral test because it would harm families living in poverty.
“We agree with our bishops.” [More]
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And speaking of nuns, one of Florian’s favorite nun-teachers, who introduced him to Tolstoy, loved these 3 very germane quotes from Tolstoy’s “A Calendar of Wisdom”:
It is difficult if not impossible to find some reasonable limit for acquiring more and more property.
Wealth will not give you satisfaction. The more your wealth grows, the more your requirements grow with it.
There are two ways not to suffer from poverty. The first is to acquire more wealth. The second is to limit your requirements. The first is not always within our power, but the second is always in our power.
So, Florian, you continue to ignore my 5:51 P.M. post from yesterday — not a surprise, because you are fresh out of rational answers to good questions. I’m surprised you are a man, BTW — you seem to think with your emotions.
I just Googled “Florian”, and I stand corrected — there is even a St. Florian (died circa 304), and he was a man.
I should have guessed your gender, though, in spite of your irrationality — most women can see through these heretical fake sisters. It is the men who deify these heretic females, being blinded to their sins because of their positive feelings for their own mother, and for women in general. That’s why daughters can manipulate their fathers, but not their mothers — these women fly below most men’s radar, but not below the women’s. They do not, however, fly below my radar, and I am a man — I can see them for what they are — a bunch of feminists drunk on the power women have achieved in the last 50 years, power that has led to the destruction of our society by destroying marriages.
Like many men of means, Mr Ryan conveniently ignores the impact of his “budget” on the poor and the middge class. He pretends that his wealth comes from his efforts, and God has blessed him. In Truth, the wealth of the wealthy is precisely what causes the poverty of the poor, who “are always with us.” And Mr Ryan will not hearken to what nuns, sisters, bishops and the church lady have to say. Would he listen if someone were to rise from the dead?
Florian, I wish there was a like button under your comment.
Florian — your statement, “In truth, the wealth of the wealthy is precisely what causes the poverty of the poor,” is demonstrably false. It assumes there is X amount of money to go around, and the more the wealthy have, the less the poor have. That is called zero-sum, but that is NOT the way things work. It is the opposite: the more money the wealthy have, the more the poor have. Look at the typical African-American in America — far, far wealthier than their ancestors on the African continent, although often poorer than Caucasians. Why are American blacks much much wealthier than Africans? Because they have benefitted from the wealth of other Americans.
Jim, the wealthy early american caucasions made money off the unjust blood, sweat and tears off of the black Africans they owned as slaves. Not something to be proud of.
Tony — if the whites profited from the blacks, how come the blacks in America are much much wealthier than the blacks in Africa? Here’s the answer — unlike what Florian says, business is a win-win situation — it creates wealth both for the wealthy and for the poor. The evidence is incontrovertible — blacks in America, working for rich white guys, are much better off than their ancestors in Africa. Facts are facts, Tony. I know you like to make up reality in your head and then believe your fantasy, but I like to look at the facts as they are, and stay in reality. Why don’t you join me in being rational?
The rich make money off the poor they always did and if The Democrats get in they will continue.
I ment if the Republicans get in the rich will continue to make. Oney off the blood sweat and tears of the poor.
Agree. As Gandhi put it: The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not for every man’s greed.
Florian — can you explain to me why blacks in America are much much much wealthier than blacks in Africa, if the wealthy in America are so greedy? Of course you can’t. I hope at least you don’t deny reality — blacks in America are much much much wealthier than their cousins in Africa. Now, we are left with explaining why that would be. Using your theory, the blacks in America should be poorer. Since they are not, it shows your theory (of zero-sum) is incorrect — that is, it shows that wealth builds on wealth, not detracts from the wealth of others. I do agree that we need to have a reasonably affluent middle class to have a financially healthy America — but I certainly don’t agree that the way to get that affluent middle class is to take the road of socialism as proposed by Mr. 666.
The title of this article says it all — it is indeed surprising that Campbell agrees with the bishops.
Dear Jim.
Moving to the top.
You are not the dumbest person on the planet and intelligence really doesn’t matter. I have met disabled people with more compassion for what is morally right than you will ever comprehend.
Remember:
“There are no poor people in America.”
Looking on the bright side – I don’t think you are a pedophile.
Dennis — I really like that quote — “there are no poor in America.” Who said that anyway?
Jim.
I like the cut of your jib and you are not stupid – so why are you defending an indefensible position – assuming you believe in the Bible?
Dennis — don’t know what you’re asking here. What indefensible position am I defending? That there are no poor in America? If that’s what you’re asking, here’s the answer: we first have to define what we mean by poor. If you call poor having running water, heat, and food, then of course my position is indefensible. But if poor means you have no running water, no health care, and are starving (as many around the globe are, such as in Africa), then there are virtually no poor in America.
And, I may not be a pedophile, but I HAVE been a pedestrian. Does that count?
Dennis — I must retire for the evening. After you land the rocket on Mars, you should get some shut-eye too.
The Bishops know or should know that the motive from most abortions is poverty. Ryan’s budget increases poverty and is therefore an abortion budget.
(Bush’s eight years created a million new poor people each year. Many, many abortions! he was prolife but the results of his policies were certainly not.)
Poor? Who really are the poor?? We can hand out forever and the hands just keep getting longer. Look around and see how many people could really be working. No – they have chosen the easy road. Just hold out my hand and it is filled. The only difference between me and they – I hae pride to support myself. Yes we help those who desparately need help. Capable work bodies – go to work and gain some self pride about yourself. An average family of five where I live and drawing full benefits for the poor have an income on paper of approximately $ 35,000/ annually. Will you flip hamburgers for minimum wage or stay at home and keep your hand out so I support you!!! Where is justice?????????
Duh, there are no jobs. Or very few. Did you ever see a family living in a car? The’re poor.
Did you ever see an older person who fell into misfortune because of illness and has no money thatperson is poor.
Have you seen a young girl who got pregnant, whose husband left her because she won’t have an abortion and she isn’t able to find work? But I think dear that the poorest people are people like you who don’t see the poor among us.
Let us do some math because I am Canadian I will leave you to fill in the blanks in American money. Rent for an apartment cost…..clothing for school cost…..winter coats & boots cost….doctors & dentists apointments cost…….food for family cost…..public transportation cost….. telephone……school supplies…..diapers & baby food……hair cuts….. Laundry & cleaning…..and maybe if there is something left over a new dress for mom once a year…total $35,000. Do you really believe that one would perfer to live off the state (benefits) rather than having a job that pays a fair wage? I’m so thankful that I have a small income and do not need to ask for help and I willingly share what I have with others. Is that not what being a Catholic is all about?
Catholic Lady.
People like you really pis-s me off. You live in Canada and have no idea what it is like in the USA.
We have to fight for HEALTH CARE!!!
If you get sick in the USA you get broke – literally and figuratively.
How can I get my children a Canadian citizenship?
Dennis — answer: go over to Pakistan and talk with Al-Quida. I here they have free health care there. You know, Dennis, there is no such thing as “free” health care. Someone pays. And, when you get things from the govt, you become their slave. I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said that people who want the govt to support them do not deserve to be free — or something like that.
Jim.
You are special!
One of my favorite quotes:
”Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither.” – Ben Franklin
I don’t’t think this has to do with Thomas Jefferson or anything else you wrote.
Jim, with all due respect, get HELP – SOON!!!
Dennis — thanks for giving me the correct quote. So, let’s adapt it to you — Ben Franklin to Dennis — “Dennis, if you are willing to sacrifice your liberty for the security of health insurance, you deserve neither.” Not pretty when you see one of your favorite quotes blow up in your face, is it?
Jim.
You have a lot of nerve debasing a thought provoking quote!
But you never let morals or facts stand in your way.
Any other lessons you think I should teach my children?
Yes — teach them individual responsiblity — teach them that if we are going to save this country, we cannot continue to borrow money. We can only spend what we take in. The government is not our mother, and the more we rely on the government, the more of a slave we become, the more freedom we lose. Thanks for asking.
Hey Jim.
I can read your ramblings and I do enjoy a good laugh.
Here is a simple question:
Where was your big mouth when we wasted all that money on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Dennis — I did favor the war in Afghanistan, but not the war in Iraq — surprise, surprise.
Dennis; Sorry that I have upset you, You are quite correct I do not know what it is like to lieve in the United States of America. However I do know what it is like to live on a fixed income. Please accept my sincere apologies. Hence forth I shall refrain from commenting on this website.
catholic Lady.
You did not upset me. I envy you and the country you live in.
Please add a little sanity to this religious dialog.
You might know how a helping hand at a critical time makes all the difference in the world.
catholic Lady.
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Please stay and help.
Dennis; I have learned much about my American friends from all who have posted comments here. Thank you, all of you. Blessings. (I will give your last comments much thought Dennes, good night & God bless)
Catholic Lady — I too hope you stay with us. Your humility and love for the Church are apparent. Please stay.
Thank you; Jim. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family and your wonderful country.
Thanks, Catholic Lady. I take it, then, that you will stay with us — I really do hope so. You have to know how to take people — Dennis posts in the way he does — he’s outrageous (also creative and a little out there) — he’s a lot of bluster, probably not something you enjoy. I enjoy him — because I just throw his barbs back at him, they blow up in his face, and he can’t get up from under the barrage. So, let me handle him. I hope you stay for the moral support you provide, your kindness and gentleness. My God, if you leave, we’ll have the trio of ladies of Florian, Concerned, and Recovering — and that makes this blog less appealing to me.
Dennis — how can you figuratively go broke? You can only go broke literally. Also, BTW, remember that Internet is spelled with an initial upper case letter. Get your head in the game.
Sir Jim.
You are shallow and have no purpose in God’s plan.
Any thoughts?
Dennis — oops, you found me out. I am completely shallow, but I DO have a purpose — to respond to you with such shock and awe that you can’t even work for a few hours after you read one of my responses to you.
Mr. Jim.
Your intellectual challenge is that you cannot figuratively go broke.
You morals are figuratively broke!
Checkmate!
Wow. Oops. I lose.
So all along here I keep hearing in the comments about how religion and politics should not be mixed and then somehow it becomes okay if it suits our particular political perspective. Simone Campbell’s presence at the convention is out of place for a professed woman religious to speak specifically on issues. Why if the poor are in need, doesn’t she call on the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent dePaul Society and Catholic Charities? How dare she call out Paul Ryan for his ideas when on the very platform she stood was Biden promoting abortion (an intrinsic evil) and a ridiculous vote was taken for excluding God in the platform three times and then shoved through despite the resounding nays for exclusion! There is something askew in the thinking here. We are equally exchanging intrinsic evils for budget matters and as “Christians” condemning those and not tolerating another viewpoint if it puts life issues first. The politically savvy people realize that nothing gets passed until it goes through the maze of Congress. And unfortunately we know that that can be tampered with as well.
Some bishops are speaking out in Paul Ryan’s behalf. The USCCB is not an infallible voice.
Elinor.
You said:
“Why if the poor are in need, doesn’t she call on the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent dePaul Society and Catholic Charities?”
I suspect they are already getting more calls for help than they can handle. Any other ideas on how to help the needy?
I don’t follow the connection between Ayn Ryan’s ideas and the podium. Is this a Clint Eastwood talking to the chair thing?
Please clarify how Ayn Ryan’s budget is related to the podium.
Dennis, Obviously your sources of information are limited and you have not heard Paul Ryan’s interview explanation of Ayn Rand or you choose to ignore it and stick to your argument. Nothing will change your mind and it is sad when one operates on own assumptions and suspicions.
Elinor.
My sources of information are practically unlimited. I have the Internet.
Question: How can you tell when a politician is lying?
Answer: His lips are moving.
Actions speak louder than words. He put a lot of effort into his budget and it is clearly based on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism philosophy.
I totally agree with you that nothing will change your mind – short of an epiphany.
I’m done.
Enjoy.
Dennis — I’m glad to see you have access to the internet. I do not. How might I acquire such access?
Jim the correct spelling is Internet not internet. It is a mystical numerology (616) thing.
Dennis — I was thinking of you today when I ran into this file on my computer about the number 666 — I forgot I had read and transcribed this material. Here it is (citation at end — the author used to teach a course on the book of Revelations at the college level) — In the Hebrew / Aramaic alphabet the expression “Nero Caesar” in Hebrew would be written in transliteration as follows:
N = 50
R = 200
W = 6
N = 50
Q = 100
S = 60
R = 200
In Hebrew and Greek, “Nero” is spelled “Neron” with a final “n.” This is not the case in Latin. It is easily seen that someone transliterating from Latin and not realizing that the Hebrew rendition of the Emperor’s name contained a final “n,” would have omitted the final “n.” N is the number 50. For this reason some manuscripts read “six hundred and sixteen” instead of “six hundred and sixty-six.” The ancients readily understood that our author was indicating Nero Caesar with the number “six hundred and sixty-six.”
[Sena, Patrick J., C.PP.S. (1983). The Apocalypse: Biblical Revelation Explained. New York: Alba House, 14.] – book from Adoration Chapel.
I’m trying to start a trend, Dennis — English is a living language, after all. I do know that “internet” often is upper case, but I disagree — it really isn’t a proper noun — so I think it should be lower case. Besides, I don’t like having to move my finger onto the “capital” button on my keyboard.
Elinor, why shouldn’t Sister speak out specifically on issues, she is a concerned American citizen and has just as much a right as anyone. By the way Eli, Paul Ryan is not an infallible voice either.
So after eight years of Reagan, twelve years of Bush and Dubya, three ridiculously expensive and totally unnecessary Bush wars abroad, and a subtle shifting of America’s tax burdens away from the rich and onto the (where else!) middle class over the past 32 years, President Obama is blamed (by the GOPies of course!) for “not keeping his promises” or providing yet bigger tax breaks and subsidies for the Romneys?
We need legislators who share Obama’s vision of America, not those who feast on tea and (let ‘em eat) cakes and called our President a “one-term President” even before he took office?!
Elephants are tough to clean up after, even when they’re last in the parade!
Denis, The reality is that even if your taxed the rich, which I have no problem with, it would not put a dent solving the plite of the poor. This taxing of the rich is a ploy from Obama to defocus from the real problem that he has no concrete policy to address where he is able to pay for his programs except by calling up China and asking them for the money. Dennis look at Greece, they are bankrupted because of all their social programs and entitlements. Germany asks but why do we who have presponsibile policys and have poor among us, have to bail you out? Denis, smell the coffee!
joseph Francis.
A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money. – Everett Dirksen
Tax breaks for the wealthy and defense spending increases are not consistent with your argument that you are so concerned about the deficit.
That money could be used to help the less fortunate.
If you have any facts to back up your statements I would be interested in seeing them.
I don’t expect to see any facts because your main concern is those lazy minorities that are living on government handouts.
You are a paragon of Christianity!
Joseph Francis
The lines of Romney and Ryan and those who are so gung ho on getting people to believe that tax breaks for the rich will benefit the middle class and the poor are smoke screens to simply fool people. The Bishops spoke against the Ryan budget for a reason – they saw what the result would be – it would be devastating blow not simply on the very poor – but would ultimately expand the number of very poor. So the middle class can wait until it’s too late – or wake up and see how some of the selfish super-rich are trtying to widen the gap making the super-rich even more powerful. The voice of the Sisters and others are needed.
Tony, If the Bishops are so concerned about the poor and I’m sure they are,perhaps they might sell off their gold chains, rings and give that money to the poor. The good sisters who advocate for the poor, would stop going to the beauty polors and waring jewelry and look like religious having a vow of poverty, in simplicity of their lifestyle. This might be a great start.
Tony, Tony, Tony. Its all about money. Ryan want to feed the poor also. All he is asking is , where do we get the money for it? Today Sept 7, 2012 we are 16 trillon dollars in the red because of Obama who promises everyone the world as he calls China for the money and leaves the payment to our children.
joseph Francis.
So your position is that we can afford a large tax break for the wealthy Job Creators but the poor can fend for themselves.
Very Christian of you!
Ryan has offered no evidence of having a desire to feed the poor. As a member of the Atlas Society (okay now he is an ex-member since being picked for VP he says he quit but as of February he was a member) such a view would violate what they believe. (google Atlas Society and read their beliefs)Actions speak of reality – otherwise it’s just lip service.
TAX THE RICH and the major corporations. That’s where you get the money, not off the backs of the poor.
Tony.
“TAX THE RICH and the major corporations.”
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. This is a new concept and it is going to take me a while to understand it.
Mitt Romney’s father, George Romney, paid an effective tax rate of nearly 37% in 1967. The elder Romney didn’t complain and released his tax returns to prove his compliance with the law of the land he wanted to lead.
My how things (and tax rates) have changed.
That the nuns would agree with the bishops is not at all surprising. That the bishops would agree with nuns, especially in this election year — now THAT is surprising.
What a contrast seeing the good nuns working among the poor and hungry disenfranchised voiceless people following the words of Jesus to care for the least among us, and the bisops driving drunk with his mother in the back seat or another found guilty in court of covering up another of the many sexual perverted acts of some of his priests.