Phoenix, Ariz., Aug 22, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Calling the Church’s policy one of justice, and a much-needed voice for the voiceless, Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted recently defended his decision not to allow certain speakers in Catholic Churches who oppose Church teaching on fundamental life and sexuality issues.
Bishop Olmsted’s words appeared in the Sunday “My Turn” editorial section of the Arizona Republic newspaper.
In it, he cited a 2004 statement from the U.S. Catholic bishops which said that, "The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
Bishop Olmsted has been put under some public fire recently for a decision not to let Arizona governor Janet Napolitano speak in a Catholic Church because of her fundamentally anti-Catholic views on issues like abortion.