A longtime liberal archdiocese leans right

[icymist]

Saturday, July 24, 2004

A longtime liberal archdiocese leans right
Seattle archbishop's remarks about politicians draw range of reaction

By CLAUDIA ROWE AND JOHN IWASAKI
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTERS

When John Barnes heard Seattle Archbishop Alexander Brunett declare this week that it was impossible for Roman Catholic politicians to keep the faith and support abortion rights, he cheered.

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For an archdiocese long associated with the crusading liberalism of former Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen, the strongly worded statement underscored what some parishioners view as a clear turn to the right, one that they have sensed since Brunett took over nearly seven years ago.

Hunthausen, Seattle archbishop from 1975 to 1991, was widely known for his criticism of the Vietnam War and nuclear proliferation. He spoke out against the Trident nuclear submarine base at Bangor, withheld half his federal income tax to protest the arms race and promoted a more inclusive role for women and gays in the church.

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Archdiocese research director Mary Beth Celio, who has worked for five archbishops, said the range of parishioners' views proves her point: "Anyone who thinks the church is monolithic is out of their mind. There are extremely conservative parishes, extremely liberal parishes and everything in between."

While dioceses around the country have reported declining membership, Seattle's jurisdiction, which serves more than 600,000 Catholics from Blaine to Vancouver, has seen stable growth, breaking ground for three new parishes and adding services to others -- some of which already hold five Masses on weekends. The need is so great that when Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Church recently opened in Woodinville, its 500-family capacity barely eased attendance at the neighboring parishes.

More at this

[Generic Other]

1. Aborting future pedophile priests violates church standards

Hypocrisy.

[pennylane100]

3. Great comment,

I could not have said it better.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. The Archdiocese needs to remember why it's growing.

Conservative parishes are dwindling, while liberal Seattle has no pews to spare. Maybe they shouldn't use conservatives as a model for growth.