John Allen sees Archbishop Chaput's influence in the marketplace of ideas
March 05, 2010
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"In an era in which institutional authority of all sorts has collapsed, a religious leader who wants to move opinion has to compete in a secular marketplace of ideas." Thus writes John Allen, in a justly favorable report on the influence wielded by Denver's Archbishop Charles Chaput. While other prelates have clout because of their positions, he says, Archbishop Chaput makes his influence felt through powerful arguments-- such as his recent rebuttal of the famous JFK "Houston speech." Allen writes:
His arguments are strong medicine, likely to provoke widely varying reactions, but it would be a mistake to underestimate their importance in shaping some sectors of Catholic opinion as well as outsider impressions of the church.
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Posted by: michaelwilmes -
Mar. 06, 2010 9:38 AM ET USA
From time to time I have to give John Allen credit.....this is not "typical" NCR stuff. Kudos John, for an excellent story here!
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Posted by: -
Mar. 06, 2010 8:31 AM ET USA
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. J. Allen. It is my hope that US Bishops, like Archbishop Chaput, would be as forceful and profound in their views as well as guardians of our moral beliefs as Christians and Catholics.
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Posted by: -
Mar. 05, 2010 6:35 PM ET USA
Thank God for Archbishop Charles Chaput. I read his rebuttal of the famous JFK 'Houston Speech" and as far as I am concerned, It's about Time. This past 40 years or so we have had to sit on our hands while the Kennedy Dynasty was making fools of the Church's Magisterium. All I can say is Better Late than Never. The Kennedy family had a lot to do with making America'scatholic rather than It's Catholic American.
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Posted by: -
Mar. 05, 2010 6:30 PM ET USA
I must admit to being biased in favor of the leadership shown by Archbishop Charles Chaput. Whenever he speaks (or writes) I feel strengthened in my faith and enlightened in my view of Catholicism. Archbishop Chaput is a very worthy ally of Pope Benedict XVI, and we very much need then both in this country in these times.
