Cardinal Dolan will offer prayer at Democratic convention, too
August 28, 2012
New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan has accepted an invitation from Democratic officials to deliver the closing prayer at the Party's national convention in September.
Cardinal Dolan had already been scheduled to lead the closing prayers at the Republican Party convention in Tampa, Florida, this week.
When some liberal Catholics criticized the New York prelate for accepting the Republicans' invitation, his office disclosed that he had offered to lead prayers for the Democratic event as well. After some apparent hesitation, the Democratic Party accepted his offer.
A spokesman for Cardinal Dolan emphasized that both political parties had been told that "the cardinal was coming solely as a pastor, only to pray, not to endorse any party, platform, or candidate."
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Further information:
- Statement of Joseph Zwilling Regarding Invitation to Pray at Democratic Convention (New York archdiocese)
- NY Catholic cardinal will offer closing prayer at Democratic as well as GOP conventions (AP)
- Cardinal Dolan to give benediction at Dem convention (The Hill)
- Cardinal Dolan to Offer Closing Prayer at Democratic Convention (First Things)
- Cardinal Dolan offered to lead prayer at Democratic convention, too (CWN, 8/24)
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Posted by: garedawg -
Aug. 30, 2012 12:34 AM ET USA
The Democrats probably need his prayers even more than do the Republicans!
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Posted by: joancollins507161 -
Aug. 29, 2012 11:03 AM ET USA
It is a mistake for Cardinal Dolan to offer the closing prayer at the Democrat convention. Their whole convention is a celebration of gay rights, abortion and free contraception, with Sandra Fluke and other speakers at odds with Catholic doctrine invited to speak there. The Cardinal's presence will only confuse poorly catechized voters, who may indeed put Obama into office again.
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Posted by: mgreen32234 -
Aug. 29, 2012 10:25 AM ET USA
Apparently there are no wolves in Cardinal Dolan's world. The Al Smith invite. The celebration of Joe Biden as Catholic. And now praying at political conventions as a civil participant. There is no civility in the face of intrinsic evil. There is no neutrality in the face of intrinsic evil. His job is to take care of the flock. We’re the ones who’ll be devoured by the wolves that he's busy dancing with. Blackout the Al Smith Dinner. Pray the St. Michael's prayer at both conventions.
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Posted by: filioque -
Aug. 28, 2012 7:10 PM ET USA
Zaccheus had already repented and made reparation for his sins. Going to the Democratic Convention only compounds the mistake of inviting Pres. Obama to dinner. This is the party of abortion. Pres. Obama cannot be more pro-abortion. The only decent prayer Card. Dolan could offer would be for their repentance and conversion, with never a smile. But he won't. He will offer some mild prayer with a big smile afterward. The Dems will use the video to show Catholics Dems are OK with the Church.
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Posted by: Don Vicente -
Aug. 28, 2012 1:24 PM ET USA
Had he not maintained his invitation to President Obama for the Al Smith Dinner, he would not have been invited to the Democratic Convention. I think it is a PLUS for him and for the Church. Jesus went to Zaccheus' house for dinner...
