Posted by Terry Nelson on Sep 15th, 2007
Or what not to say at an opening.
Joachim Cardinal Meisner recently criticised degenerate art and culture at the blessing of the Diocesan Art Museum, the Kolumba, in Cologne. His statements seemed to upset some of the German elite - it seems his choice of words reminded them of the Nazi regime’s contempt for degenerate modern art. (Making a quick connection here - I wonder if this indicates that the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church is fascist?) Anyway, the following is what the Cardinal said:
Cologne, Germany - A German Catholic archbishop triggered a storm in Germany Friday with an attack on irreligious culture. Cardinal Joachim Meisner was speaking at the blessing of his archdiocese’s new art museum, the Kolumba, in the heart of
Cologne.
“Wherever culture separates from the worship of God, the cult atrophies in ritualism and the art becomes degenerate,” he said.
Blunt criticism of art is rare in Germany, which still remembers how the Nazis pilloried the art they did not like as “degenerate.”
The use of the same term by the outspoken churchman brought him rebukes… - EARTHtimes.org
I wonder if he could say something more about the degenerative design influences in neo-Catholic churches and chapels in his country and around the world? Or the degenerative artistic novelties in many of the Novus Ordo liturgies that have been ‘celebrated’ throughout Germany and elsewhere over the years? Or maybe he was doing that in his critique of the Museum?
Posted by Terry Nelson on Sep 15th, 2007
Who’s sailing this ship?
Conspiracy theorists love to speculate on all sorts of stories on how various enemies of the Church have infiltrated the Vatican - but what about the Catholic Bishop’s Conference in the United States? Why no stories there? As Catholics we know all of our Bishops are above reproach and faithful to the Holy Father - we’ve witnessed this in their enthusiastic reception of the Summorum Pontificum liberalizing the use of the Extraordinary Latin rite for Mass. Therefore, I can only conclude that the USCCB may employ non-clerical personnel who (inadvertently of course) could pose a threat to Roman Catholic teaching and discipline - unbeknown to the Bishops. It is a huge bureaucracy and therefore hard to keep tabs on everyone who is hired.
The USCCB’s new Domestic Policy Director is a case in point - wherein someone slipped up - or not. The woman they just hired is Kathy Saile, a former Associate Public Policy Director for Lutheran Services in America. Well, I’ll let you read about her:
Sep. 14, 2007 -
Kathy Saile named USCCB domestic policy director; ‘since August 2004, Saile has been Associate Director of Public Policy for Lutheran Services in America (USA), in Washington’ (USCCB)
WIN (‘Pro-choice. Democrat. Women. Network.’) 2006 WODW dinner party no. 14: Kathy Saile, Associate Director of Public Policy, Lutheran Services was 1 of 2 speakers at ‘Did the Left Cede Heaven? The Intersection of Faith and Politics.’ ‘Throughout American history religion has shaped US politics. Recent history has focused on the efforts and effects of Conservative Christians in the Republican Party, but the Left continues to be a party of people of faith. This dinner will highlight the way liberal people of faith organize to further progressive causes.’ (WIN)
About WIN: ‘WIN is Washington’s premier professional, political, and social network dedicated to empowering young, Democratic, pro-choice women.’ (WIN) - Catholic World News
.
The following is an excerpt from the USCCB’s press release:
Msgr. David Malloy, USCCB General Secretary announced the appointment September 13.“Kathy Saile brings to this important position strong commitment to the Catholic Church and its social teaching, impressive knowledge of key domestic issues and extensive policy and advocacy experience. Her service in diocesan social ministry and here in the nation’s capital will be great assets in helping the bishops articulate and advance the Church’s principles and policies seeking economic and social justice in our nation.” - USCCB .
Who knows? Kathy Saile could be another Mother Teresa - I’m just speculating from her record here.
(Thanks to my friend Paula for the tip - sorry I was late in posting this.)
