I got this press release today:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2006
Contact:
Chris Korzen
202-903-0856
ckorzen@catholics-united.org
"Catholics United" Demands Straight Answers from Mrs. Bachmann
Bachmann's Church calls Pope 'Antichrist'
St. Paul, Minnesota - Catholics United for the Common Good called on Michelle [sic] Bachmann today to acknowledge the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's (WELS) belief that the Pope is the 'Antichrist', and to state clearly her own positions on this tenet of her church's tradition.
Mrs. Bachmann's earlier response has only raised more concerns for Catholics, as she not only failed to apologize but even refused to acknowledge the WELS position that remains publicly accessible through its official website. We can only conclude that she is either horribly misinformed or cynically refusing to distance herself from the sect preaching these offenses in order to appeal to certain voters.
"It is hard to believe we are having this conversation in 2006," said Chris Korzen, Executive Director of Catholics United for the Common Good. "These extreme views represent hateful beliefs rejected by the vast majority of people in all denominations, and we find it astounding that Ms. Bachmann will not provide a straight answer about her own positions."
On its web site, WELS's views on Catholics are neither subtle nor new. The site notes, "We cannot and do not deny the Christianity of a person who cannot see the truth that the Pope is the Antichrist. Yet it is an important article… It is clearly revealed in the divine word, and there is nothing needless and useless in the Bible; God wants us to know about the Antichrist… This article is clearly expressed in the Lutheran Confessions; whoever denies it does not stand in one faith with his fathers; he is not a confessional Lutheran."
Catholics United accepts that Mrs. Bachmann, like any American, is entitled to her own beliefs. But Catholics, Lutherans and people of all faiths have a right to know her beliefs on such fundamental concerns in judging whether she is fit for public office. To this end, we call on Ms. Bachmann to offer yes/no answers to three simple questions:
- Do you acknowledge that this belief is part of the teachings of the WELS church - of which you are an active member?
- Do you reject the claim that the Pope is the Anti-Christ?
- Do you unequivocally condemn WELS teaching on this issue?
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About Catholics United for the Common Good
Catholics United for the Common Good is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the message of justice and the common good found at the heart of the Catholic Social Tradition. We accomplish this mission through online advocacy and educational activities. For more information, visit www.catholics-united.org.
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