Faith

‘Strangling’ the Church? Cardinal Dolan Raises Eyebrows After Inviting Obama to Charity Dinner — But Why?

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Invites Obama to Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, Raises Eyebrows

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, takes his seat to resume the USCCB's biannual meeting Wednesday, June 13, 2012, in Atlanta. Photo Credit: AP

NEW YORK (TheBlaze/AP) — New York Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan is suing the Obama administration, but he’s inviting President Barack Obama to dinner anyway. In the midst of the ongoing drama between the Catholic Church and the Obama administration, the invitation is certainly raising some eyebrows.

Dolan has asked both Obama and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney to attend the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation charity dinner on Oct. 18, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York said Tuesday.

(Related: Obama’s Contraceptive Mandate Goes Into Effect Today: ‘Cherished Liberty…Thrown in a Gov‘t Dumpster’)

On the surface, the invite may seem odd, but in offering it, Dolan is keeping with tradition. The Smith dinner, in its 67th year, is a white-tie event at the Waldorf-Astoria that is customarily attended by presidents and candidates in an election year. Among the speakers have been John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. In 2008, Obama and Republican presidential nominee John McCain attended. The speeches are mostly self-deprecating and lighthearted, and the donations go to needy children.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Invites Obama to Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, Raises Eyebrows

Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images

The foundation’s web site further explains:

Over the years, the dinner has attracted the cream of modern American politics: the list of speakers and attendees reads like a who’s who of the political landscape.

In the early years of the dinner’s existence, this event might have been the only time some of these candidates would share a dais during the entire campaign. By 1960 the Al Smith dinner had truly reached its zenith as “a ritual of American politics,” in the words of Theodore H. White. Many of past dinners have generated front-page news items as a result of the program, i.e. joint appearances of opposing presidential nominees.

Romney has accepted the invite, but the Obama campaign hasn’t said publicly whether the president will attend. Dolan’s spokesman, Joseph Zwilling, though, said Obama has accepted, too. So, what’s the big deal, you ask?

The Archdiocese of New York is among more than 40 Catholic organizations, charities and schools that are suing over Obama’s mandate that employers provide health insurance that covers birth control. Evangelical, Jewish and other religious leaders have joined U.S. bishops in pressing for a broader religious exemption, including for faith-affiliated hospitals, colleges and social service groups.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Invites Obama to Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, Raises Eyebrows

In this Sunday, May 6, 2012, photo, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York gestures during a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis. Photo Credit: AP

As the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Dolan has said the White House policy is “strangling” the church. Obama has offered an accommodation, but Catholic leaders and others have said the changes don’t go far enough.

Despite his differences with Obama, Dolan held to the tradition of inviting the president because “this is not a partisan event,” Zwilling said. “It is an evening to put politics aside and come together in a spirit of civility.”

Comments (55)

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  • Alecto
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:30pm

    I am Catholic and no fan of Dolan. The man is a shameless, self-centered, spotlight hog. Oink for the cameras, will you Dolan? He buddies around with Cuomo even though Cuomo passed gay marriage legislation in NY, lives with a woman in violation of Catholic doctrine, and is pro-abortion. Does Dolan forbid Cuomo to take communion in NYC? Hell to the no! Dolan should be DEFROCKED and BOOTED FROM THE CHURCH!

    He eschews rank and file Catholics in favor of celebrities. Disgusting! He is pro-amnesty and worked to get Obamacare passed along with his brethren at USCCB. They spent $26 million – yes – that’s MILLION in lobbying to get that thing crammed down our throats. I am NOT hearing any crap from those socialists about “religious freedom”. Where the heck were THEY when we were protesting March 21, 2010 at the capital? Working behind closed doors to cut our throats that’s where! They insult conservatives, conservative positions and now they want my sympathy? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME DOLAN? He’s a phony, lying fat pig hypocrite and an anti-American who probably voted for Obama hoping that pig would give him and the Catholic church more federal social welfare contracts. SICKENING!

    Report Post » Alecto  
    • inblack
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 1:49pm

      @ALECTO

      Jesus associated with prostitutes and tax collector, but you wouldn’t know that being Catholic.

      Your assassination attempt on Dolan is just stupid. Obviously he is trying to turn these people and expects them to change. The catholic church needs some shepherds among the leaders not just the usual sheep.

      Report Post »  
    • by faith
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 2:03pm

      You sure don’t sound Catholic

      Report Post » by faith  
    • dirtypolitics
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 2:48pm

      cino?

      Report Post »  
    • poetopoet
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 11:33am

      So is (was) Rosie O’Donnell, you’re full of **** !

      Report Post » poetopoet  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 5:13pm

      I am a Catholic and I dearly LOVE CARDINAL DOLAN. I love his enthusiasm, I love his straight talk, I love his toughness. He is a smart, decent real man and he is determined to fight for our RELIGIOUS RIGHTS. I agree, you don‘t sound like any CATHOLIC I’ve ever met…go tell GEORGIE PORGIE it won’t work.
      We understand that the gig for you losers is to try to tear up our Faith(s)… guess you think you are smarter than GOD too, right? Brother!!! WE LOVE YOU CARDINAL DOLAN!!! Let’s see if that Commie/Marxist/ Socialist liar has the guts to show up at the Dinner, he’ll probably melt on the floor like the WW of the W.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • FaithfulCitizen
      Posted on August 28, 2012 at 1:59pm

      @INBLACK
      Yes, Jesus dined with tax collectors and prostitutes, but he did *not* dine with Pilate or Herod. In fact, he also refused to “entertain” Herod when asked, and his predecessor, John the Baptist, denounced the immorality of Herod and his wife.

      But you’ll hear no such words of condemnation coming from the American bishops, for fear of being called “judgmental”. So many people quote Matthew 7:1-6 (”judge not lest ye be judged), but don’t read the rest of that chapter. In Matthew 7:15-20, we are told to pay attention because “by their fruits you shall know them [the false prophets].” We also need to discern what spirits are bearing those fruits (1 John 4:1-6), for one day “we will judge angels” (1 Cor 6:3).

      In other words, we are supposed to judge, so long as we judge rightly and not hastily. We have already seen the fruits of the current administration – it’s time for the bishops to lay down some judgment and stop misleading or confusing the flock.

      Report Post »  
  • dumoudan
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:23pm

    2008 Hope and Change,
    2012 Change is our only Hope
    OMG = Obama Must Go
    Why won’t the Obama administration answer this simple question? Which city is the capital of Israel? Very simple question. All that is needed for an answer is one name not a 20 minute diversionary dialogue!

    Report Post » dumoudan  
  • www.TopTheNews.com
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:17pm

    For those of you that read print books still, there is a fascinating book about the Catholic Church called ‘Rulers of Evil’ you should check out. Not an endorsement, but a very interesting read…

    There are many layers to their business…

    Report Post » www.TopTheNews.com  
    • Alecto
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:23pm

      Crawl back into your hole bigot!

      Report Post » Alecto  
    • by faith
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 1:56pm

      Rather than pass through the Atlanta Federal Prison Camp gate to serve a sentence for a tax evation back in 1987, author F. Tupper Saussy.

      Yes that is my source for Catholic Truth. A convicted felon, conspiracy nut.

      Report Post » by faith  
    • AppleAnnie
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 11:30am

      Ignorant. The Catholic Church has been around 2k+ years. How did that happen? Hummm? Ignorant.

      Report Post »  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:11pm

    What to Muslims want? To destroy all of Christianity, not just the Catholic Church. Obama fits the
    bill, doesn’t he?

    Report Post »  
  • FaithfulCitizen
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:06pm

    If this actually ticks you off, don’t just comment here. Do something about it!
    Go to https://www.change.org/petitions/cardinal-dolan-the-archdiocese-of-new-york-disinvite-president-obama-from-the-al-smith-fundraising-dinner and ask the Cardinal to disinvite the President.
    (You can see the full argument for disinviting at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWetzuhtf_Y

    Report Post »  
  • mobes
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:02pm

    so, what was wrong with the post? Everything was on target.

    Report Post »  
  • mobes
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:01pm

    Clinton and Kerry were both uninvited because of life issues alone, and here we have a gay, bisexual, transgender proponent, who is opposed to traditional marriage, abortion-mad president, and also a president that is obvious about his attacks on not only the Catholic Church but Christians in general, and he is given a platform to spout from? I’m at a loss.

    Report Post »  
  • bogilroy
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 11:34am

    I pray for my country every day , obama has deliberatly set out to ruin our wonderful country he has completed about 75 per cent . folks please go to the poles and vote for rommney.lets pray that god is still on our side.

    Report Post »  
  • JEANNIEMAC
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 11:18am

    Obama and Romney are both invited as a courtesy. For one thing, it is intended to show how fund raising is done by the church for the care of the poor and sick. If you read the Catholic newspapers, you will find that Obama’s actions have outraged even lukewarm Catholics at the assault on their civil liberties. Many of the columns are urging readers to learn what is going on, and to help elect candidates who reflect their religious values.
    Cardinal Dolan may take the opportunity to speak with Obama, although I think he knows it is a lost cause. The very best thing we can do is to make sure Romney gets elected and we rid ourselves of the man in the Oval Office. Then all of his 900+ executive orders which ignored and bypassed our Congress, can be revoked.

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 11:12am

    http://www.youtube.com/user/GarrisonInstitute?feature=watch – such idiots trying to make the case for “redefining and using” Religion to push a green agenda on the next generation? Come on. WATCH THIS! What the heck is GREEN FAITH anyway? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15v6f2moleE&list=UUx0owCKYXfW1ssg9BHpvlZw&index=0&feature=plcp This will give you a CLUE, since they can‘t TAKE AWAY people’s beliefs, they will try to USE them for their own agenda! MUST SEE. Worth the time, for sure!

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • by faith
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 11:02am

    And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    Report Post » by faith  
    • Trollkiller68
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 4:33pm

      Many good people are ignorant and do not know they sin, or where to find the true physician.

      Report Post » Trollkiller68  
  • horsefeathers99
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:42am

    It would be interesting to see the contrast of the welcome and reaction the two candidates would get.

    Think of this senario….in a second term, with Obama’s world of exectutive orders, after taking over our health care, forcing the Catholic hospitals to close or be turned over to the government because of the mandate. Then taking away tax exempt status on churches comes last.
    With this evil, man, look at the immoral actions he has taken from day one. Nothing he does is surprising anymore.

    With Canada’s socialist healthcare, the physician shortage has caused hospitals to close, causing a long wait and selective healthcare.

    Report Post »  
  • texaspug
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:37am

    as a devote catholic… inviting the MAN who is behind the effort to change the way I practice MY religion is BEYOND understanding!

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:50am

      The Pope met with Attila the Hun. Meeting with the enemy is not unprecedented. The meeting has risks for Obama. He could make a gaffe. The meeting raises the profile of the cardinal. If the president meets with the cardinal & it is accurately reported it might make it harder for the shrinking MSM to demonize the cardinal in the future.

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 5:16pm

      It’s called : CALLING OBAMA’S HAND. It’s call STANDING UP to the DEVIL. What??? You want everyone to skirt around OBAMA, cower in fear of him. HELL NO!!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
  • SCREW-WINDOWS
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:08am

    It is merely a test to see if he will indeed burst into flames.

    Report Post » SCREW-WINDOWS  
  • ddg7
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 9:16am

    The Catholic Church has failed again to separate good from evil!

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 10:29am

      You are right Cardinal Law is not in jail, Cardinal Dolan gave bonuses checks to sweep scandals under the rug. The Catholic Church is harassing nuns that dare to follow in Christ’s footsteps and minister to the poor, the sick and elderly instead of seek to increase the Bishops’ political power.

      Report Post »  
    • inblack
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 1:53pm

      ENCINOM = troll

      Report Post »  
  • ddg7
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 9:14am

    Would the Catholic Church invite the devil himself in the spirit of cooperation?

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 9:53am

      Would the American people elect the devil? I think the answer is yes, as long as he made them feel good about it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • cykonas
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:31pm

      DDG7, Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. And the good Bishop was smart enough to invite both enemies. We ain‘t ’fraid of no devils. Peace.

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • PAPPA_BEAR
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:48pm

      @DDG7
      Love thy enemy. Christ sought after sinners. He chose to build bridges, not walls.

      @ENCINOM
      If you are speaking of the so called “Progressive Catholics”, here’s a little secret: They aren’t true Catholics.

      Report Post » PAPPA_BEAR  
  • johninsotexas
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 8:39am

    The church has been sucking up to this guy since he was elected, and have got nothing in return but grief. This is why I don’t attend mass anymore. His beliefs go against everything the church teaches, yet they still want him at dinners, and to give speaches at their schools. Hypocrites all!.

    Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 9:05am

      I think you have to remember that the church typically stays neutral, with some exceptions, but they are not going to hold a grudge against an individual.

      Report Post »  
    • norahs
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 1:28pm

      Don’t let those in leadship positions within the church keep you from Mass and receiving the Body and Blood of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They are failing in their duties as leaders, but the deposit of faith is what matters. Let us NEVER desert the bride of Christ, His Holy Catholic church just because there are wolves that have infiltrated His church! And let us never deny ourselves the sacraments He instituted. Let us go to Mass and receive the Lord and become one with Him and at that intimate moment when we receive Him into our own body, let us beg Him to raise up holy men to replace the corrupt ones who are in leadership positions right now. It appears the faithful Catholic laity have to stand up and defend the bride of Christ because the majority of our bishops have failed in their responsibilities. Also, remember there are a handful of holy bishops who need our prayers and support as they try to turn the church back to it’s true purpose, the salvation of souls! Please go back to Mass and the sacraments! The church needs you.

      Report Post »  
  • tothepoint
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 8:38am

    I do not believe Obama is a believer in any God, as evidenced by his ungodly behaviors.
    Obama is a Narcissist who believes he is fabulous, exalted above others and wants power and $.
    It would be difficult for such a despiser of good as Obama to attend a function held by the Catholic Church which he is trying to destroy.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 8:23am

    Good for Dolan. He shows some class where Barry never does.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • snapper451
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 8:05am

    This is the platform that John McCain used to “endorse” Obama in 2008 by saying he was really a nice and qualified guy. What an idiot! He should have said, “…my mother told me that if I didn’t have anything to say good about someone…” and sat down. McCain believed Obama would be collegial like the Senate is and would be a gentleman in the campaign, like good senators would do. BS! If we thing Barry and his thugs are dirty now, Romney is not even nominated yet and look what they are doing.

    Report Post »  
    • RWCT
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 8:33am

      Dolan should busy himself with cleaning up the Diocese and Arch-diocese in the U.S. 147 of 149 are/were under indictment for pedophilia, and the other two were suppossed to be also. Not surprising for a “Religious” org, who forces its’ Nuns and Priests to not marry. Hopefully. the election will take care of Barry, and his policies, although I think many in the GOP leadership are also Progs, dedicated to the destruction of the Constituion, and American way of life!

      Report Post »  
    • by faith
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 6:24pm

      “a “Religious” org, who forces its’ Nuns and Priests to not marry”

      RWCT
      Do you honestly believe no married man or woman is under indictment for pedophilia?

      PENN STATE?
      Hammond, IN First Baptist Church pastor

      Report Post » by faith  
  • JOE
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:51am

    We are counting the days before OBAMA IS GONE from whitehouse we hope and pray ………..but what happens to the news channels they keep lieing maybe GM will give Obama a job overseas ………….Like he has for many there and few here IN HOPE WE PRAY

    Report Post » JOE  
  • mcellu
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:50am

    Jesus ate with sinners.

    Report Post »  
  • angelcat
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:41am

    Love your enemy, and Obama certainly is an enemy of the Catholic Church in particular and religion, with the exception of Islam, in general.

    Report Post »  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:24am

    Dear Leader might show up provided he is allowed to use his teleprompter and is not required to demonstrate his (non-existent) mental acuity!
    I wonder if the Bishop in Moscow gave VI Lenin a similar invitation in 1918?

    Report Post » historyguy48  
  • HKS
    Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:12am

    The people of this country had no idea what they were putting into power at the last election, I just hope enough of them have awoke to save the system in this round of elections.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • CatB
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:18am

      Amen to that!

      Report Post »  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:21am

      That is nothing but a sorry excuse for what ignorant voters have done to our country! It didn’t take much looking to see what this man is, especially after his redistribution of the wealth comments.
      It’s way past wake up time and those voters need to correct their mistake or we are certainly doomed.
      Of course, we are probably going to fall of the cliff anyway, but maybe Romney and crew can slow it down.

      Report Post » historyguy48  
    • Gregb
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:23am

      AMEN… all we can do is spread the word, teach the truth and pray that enough Americans have their eyes open and can see.

      Report Post » Gregb  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:23am

      I will agree with you; we also need to prepare for the storm of lawsuit challenges, politcial and media challenges, and the inevitable challenge in the Congress with the certification count of the electorial college when Obama falls.

      This nightmare of Obama will only truly be ended when Romney takes the oath of office; and then only if Obama actually (and unlikely to do) surrenders the reigns of power willingly.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Charles
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 7:29am

      I pray every day for God to open the american people’s eyes this election. How can people be so stupid. I am a catholic and I can’t understand how any catholic would vote for Obama. The abortion issue alone should make christians not vote for him, besides him being a socialist.

      Report Post »  
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