Archbishop Dolan ‘terribly let down’ by Obama’s HHS decision
January 26, 2012
Four days after criticizing the Obama administration’s contraceptive-coverage mandate as an unprecedented attack on religious liberty, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York discussed how he felt betrayed by President Obama.
In an editorial column for the Wall Street Journal, the cardinal-designate—who is also president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops—argued that the new mandate is an offense against religious freedom, a principle that "is the lifeblood of the American people, the cornerstone of American government."
In November, during an “extraordinarily friendly” meeting in the Oval Office, “the president seemed very earnest; he said he considered the protection of conscience sacred, that he didn't want anything his administration would do to impede the work of the Church that he claimed he held in high regard.”
“I was terribly let down, disappointed and disturbed, and it seemed the news he had given me was difficult to square with the confidence I had felt in November,” said Archbishop Dolan.
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Further information:
- Top Catholic bishop feels betrayed by Obama (USA Today)
- ObamaCare and Religious Freedom (Wall Street Journal)
- Archbishop Dolan 'a bit more at peace' after meeting with President Obama (CWN, 11/15)
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Posted by: Thomas429 -
Jan. 27, 2012 11:47 AM ET USA
Obama and this incarnation of the democrat party are the most egregious offenders in this century and the worst in this country. But, the Church's flirtation with the world's governments has had even worse results in the past. The attachment of the church to the crowned heads in Europe led to disaffection for the church in the masses. The Church's failure to understand and denounce Hitler contributed to his ability to subborn a nation and unleash a terrible terror in Europe and Affrica.
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Posted by: mgreen32234 -
Jan. 27, 2012 9:58 AM ET USA
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo had a similar field day with the Archbishop last March when the morning after their meeting on Catholic Conference Day, the Governor announced his plan to pass gay marriage in NY by June. And he did.
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Posted by: rfwilliams2938 -
Jan. 27, 2012 9:25 AM ET USA
The USA Today headline use of the word "betrayed" is totaly inappropriate. It suggest that the President was once an ally. Can one be betrayed by one's adversary?
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Posted by: samuel.doucette1787 -
Jan. 27, 2012 7:34 AM ET USA
To Cardinal-designate Dolan and all others who have to negotiate with President Obama, I will echo Gandalf's advice to King Theoden of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings: "Beware the voice of Saruman."
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Posted by: lauriem5377 -
Jan. 26, 2012 9:10 PM ET USA
Perhaps the Bishops should be speaking to their flock (60 million strong in the US alone!)about life issues...rather than to the White House.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Jan. 26, 2012 8:53 PM ET USA
So the frog, paralyzed by the scorpion so that both were drowning, asks the scorpion, "why did you sting me when you knew it would mean both of us would parish?" Answered the scorpion: "But, after all, I'm a scorpion."
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Posted by: Ken -
Jan. 26, 2012 8:02 PM ET USA
Cornelius - this is the SECOND time the USCCB has been had by BHO. The first time was when USCCB supported Obamacare with the promise from the administration abortion coverage would not be mandated. We know how that turned out. Apparently, the end was obvious to everyone but the USCCB. Now the good Archbishop has been taken in again by the slick talking community organizer. When will our religious leadership learn?
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Posted by: normnuke -
Jan. 26, 2012 4:51 PM ET USA
Did the “extraordinarily friendly”,"very earnest", evidently solemn assurances you received in person from the present President of the United States of America turn out to be a pack of filthy lies when you got home?
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Posted by: -
Jan. 26, 2012 6:39 AM ET USA
So you were had, eh Archbishop? Feeling a bit sheepish? Don't worry - you're not the only one, and you probably won't be the last. Fooled you once, shame on you, just don't let him fool you twice . . . .
