Archbishop Chaput emerges as key public leader in US hierarchy
February 20, 2012
Archbishop Charles Chaput has brought an entirely new way of ecclesiastical leadership to Philadelphia, breaking with the generally quiet governance of previous archbishops there.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, in a profile attempting to capture the spirit of the new archbishop, describes him as “a fierce warrior-bishop.” Others (including CWN editor Phil Lawler) use more neutral language, but agree that he has been both energetic and effective in giving a public voice to Church teaching on contentious issues.
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Posted by: Pete -
Feb. 20, 2012 6:48 PM ET USA
One area seems to keep getting lost in the argument over the Health Care Law and the latest "accommodation" over birth control--This IS NOT about the contraception issue! It IS a case about Religious Freedom!!! The Amish are exempt in the Health Care Law from buying insurance. As far as I know, they don't run any hospitals, child care facilities, etc. The government does NOT have the right to require us to do ANYTHING that opposes any religious beliefs.
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Posted by: Pete -
Feb. 20, 2012 6:41 PM ET USA
Archbishop Chaput was a staunch defender of the Faith while he led the Denver diocese and there's no reason to believe his support and outspokenness would change just because his location has. We need many more like him and I think they're beginning to emerge. Hopefully, they've learned they can't trust the government no matter how much they'd like to stay out of politics. They all need to staunchly defend ALL religious freedoms.
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Posted by: skladach -
Feb. 20, 2012 6:00 PM ET USA
Yes, Abp. Chaput is an extremely articulate commentator on American culture. But his predecessor, the late Cdl. Bevilacqua, was no slouch when it came to public witness; he headed the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Bishop's Conference, regularly participated in the March for Life, and spoke directly to the people in a weekly call-in radio show. Maybe he was eclipsed somewhat by the late Cdl. O'Connor.
