Catholic Archbishop Lashes Out Over Clinton Appearance At St. Mary’s University In San Antonio

Once again, the Roman Catholic Church is taking aim at a Democratic Presidential Candidate.

This time it is Hillary Clinton, who is scheduled to rally at St. Mary’s University, a Catholic college in San Antonio:

With preparations under way for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s rally at St. Mary’s University, Archbishop José Gómez has taken aim at the school’s decision to host her political event this afternoon.

Saying event organizers didn’t advise him beforehand, Gómez said he is not telling Catholics who to vote for but does expect Catholic schools to uphold the faith’s teachings in conducting these kinds of political events.

“Catholic institutions are obliged to teach and promote Catholic values in all instances,” Gómez said. “This is especially important when people look to our Catholic universities and colleges to provide leadership and clarity to the often complicated and conflicting political discourse.”

Gómez’s statement doesn’t specify the exact teaching he objects to but it is widely believed it stems from Clinton’s support of abortion rights. Her position conflicts with the Catholic Church’s established pro-life beliefs. Catholic pro-life advocates have planned a protest of the event.

The situation highlights the historic tension between many Catholic liberal arts colleges and Catholic Church leaders when campus programs or events are seen as contradicting the faith’s essential doctrines.

The fact is that, aside from abortion rights, Catholic leaders should realize that their natural allies on issues of social justice and immigrations are Democrats and candidates like Clinton. It is understandable that they would want to complain about pro-choice candidates, but do they not realize it is better in the long run–for their issues–not to do so?

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