In an unexpected turn of events, the Immaculate Conception Parish in San Diego has stirred up quite the controversy with its recent newsletters. Typically, church bulletins focus on prayer requests and potluck reminders, but these latest messages have taken a shocking detour.
On October 16, the church inserted a flyer into its weekly bulletin titled “Voter’s Guide for Committed Catholics,” warning parishioners that supporting Democratic candidates could condemn them to hell due to their stances on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. The flyer boldly declared, “Voting for Democrats is a mortal sin,” adding ominously that “those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell.”
Fast forward two weeks, and another bulletin featured an article suggesting that Hillary Clinton was under Satan’s influence, attempting to sway voters on abortion—a theory that seems as plausible as a cat running for president. The church’s stance has sparked backlash, especially since IRS regulations prohibit tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political parties or candidates.
The San Diego Diocese quickly distanced itself from the flyers, with Bishop James Thompson asserting, “While we have a role in discussing how Catholic values relate to public policy, we do not endorse specific candidates or engage in political activities.” He emphasized, “It is not a mortal sin to vote for Democrats, and the church has no official position on this matter.”
But the plot thickens. The diocese claimed that the controversial flyer was authored by an outside party and inserted without the pastor’s consent. As for the article, it was allegedly penned internally, though the author remains a mystery. Pastor Samuel Greene commented that he hadn’t reviewed the flyer and admitted it “went a little beyond” what he intended. Yet, he has made his own views clear in previous sermons, suggesting that voting for Democrats aligns with grave sins.
When questioned about the outrageous claims made in the bulletins, Greene did not shy away from the topic, echoing the sentiments of the previous articles without explicitly telling parishioners how to vote. It’s like when your friend says, “I wouldn’t wear that outfit, but if you think it looks good, go for it!” Only in this case, it’s more like, “I wouldn’t want to face eternal damnation, but if that’s your choice, then so be it.”
Despite the uproar, a poll indicates that many Catholics are leaning toward Trump, showing a significant preference in the political landscape.
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In summary, the Immaculate Conception Parish’s newsletters have ignited a firestorm over political discourse within the church, raising questions about the intersection of faith and politics. While the diocese has attempted to clarify its stance, the pastor’s remarks have left many pondering the implications of their voting choices.