"Love One Another, And Vote As I Too"

Although the Catholic Church is steeped in a global scandal involving sexual abuse committed by priests, I'd like to write about a scandal that is closer to home. The Portland Press Herald on March 24, 2010 reported "The bishop and a national organization end financial support after Preble Street backs same-sex marriage" (Diocese penalizes homeless aid group, 3/24/10). Because Homeless Voices for Justice, an organization within Preble Street, supported no on 1 to repeal the Gay Marriage Bill last November, the Bishop has authorized taking 17,400 dollars as well as an additional 33,000 from the Preble Street.

The money the bishop has authorized to take away would, in my opinion, undoubtedly have gone directly to the benefit of homeless people. I'm very skeptical to believe the money would have gone to phone banks, donation drives, or other actions to directly support the no on 1 campaign. In fact, to everyone's knowledge, this is true. The group took a stand on the issue because, as an organization supporting people from all walks of life, they have a moral obligation to help people from all walks of life. Funny, I thought that's what the Catholic Church strives to do as well?

By taking away money that would have benefited hundreds of people who are supported by Homeless Voices for Justice, Bishop Malone has helped transform the Portland Diocese into a hypocrisy I hope many will begin to notice. The Golden Rule that is spoke in Church time and again, "Love one another as I have loved you", should now read "Love one another, as long as you vote with me, too".

Forget the fact that the politics of the Catholic Church slay the rights of human beings all across Southern Maine, Bishop Malone has revolutionized the role of the Catholic Church, specifically in Maine, and it's time for Catholics everywhere to stand as one against the hypocrisy and lack of respect that Bishop Malone has expressed to the homeless across Southern Maine. His decision to rescind the money given to Homeless Voices for Justice is petty, disrespectful, and pathetic. He not only supports denying thousands of people across Maine a basic civil right, his actions now create a much more difficult obstacle for homeless men and women to overcome.

I hope people continue to donate to the Church. I only suggest that instead of blindly throwing money into a wicker basket that is passed around on Sunday, give it directly to your pastor and ask him directly in the eye "where will this money go". If he cannot provide an answer, or the answer is a weak talking point, I would kindly turn around, walk out the door, and give the cash or rewrite a check to the nearest social service agency.

I think it may be appropriate to end this bluntly: The total funds taken back from Homeless Voices for Justice by the Catholic Church totals at least 50,400 dollars. Please think about how many homeless men, women, and children could have benefited from these funds.