Clergy confraternity calls for prayer and fasting in reparation for Eucharistic desecration
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Baltimore, Md., Jul 29, 2008 / 10:51 pm (CNA).- The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national association of over 600 priests and deacons, has responded to the reported desecration of the Eucharist at the hands of a Minnesota biology professor and science blogger by asking for the Catholics of Minnesota and the entire nation to join in a day of prayer and fasting.

“We find the actions of University of Minnesota (Morris) Professor Paul Myers reprehensible, inexcusable, and unconstitutional,” the group said in a statement. “His flagrant display of irreverence by profaning a consecrated Host from a Catholic church goes beyond the limit of academic freedom and free speech.”

The confraternity argued that Myers’ claim to have acquired and desecrated a consecrated Host is a violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

“Lies and hate speech which incite contempt or violence are not protected under the law,” they further asserted, arguing that freedom of religion means “no one has the right to attack, malign or grossly offend a faith tradition they personally do not have membership [in] or ascribe allegiance.”

The confraternity lamented the inaction of the University of Minnesota chancellor, who they said refused to reprimand or censure Myers.
“Tolerating such behavior by university officials is equally repugnant as it lends credibility to the act of religious hatred,” they stated.

The confraternity said it would pray “that Professor Myers contritely repent and apologize.”

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: giuseppe
pasig philippines 10/04/2008 06:15 AM EST
God save us!
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Published by: Heraclides
Pacific region 08/05/2008 04:37 AM EST
Firstly, I have no strong stance on the original matter, as it doesn't affect me either way. (Of course I do have an opinion, but its my private opinion. It sits at neither extreme: it takes two to tango and I think at best there are faults on both sides.)

I'd just like to point out that I believe the freedom of speech protects the right to speak out *against*, not *restrictions* on speaking out against. It enables people to object when they feel, from their position, they should.

I also believe that many religious people do the equivalent against other religions and those sometimes labelled "non-believers" in various ways and to various degrees.

The only limitation I would think is on that you should not attack or threathen the other's property or person (which, I have to add, your article and a number of the posts could be read by some as doing). I don't believe you can object to someone objecting to your beliefs. (Although you can certainly *wish* they respected them. While its a fair thing to wish for, I doubt you can force their hand.)

It may seem unfair if you are the target, but that's the nature of free speech: people are allowed to speak out against what they wish.

(I'm not condoning actions of either "side" in writing this, but trying to gently raise a few thoughts.)
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Published by: mess
Boston 08/04/2008 11:51 AM EST
@DJSM,

What types of action are you suggesting to prevent PZ from teaching?
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Published by: Father John Trigilio
Harrisburg, PA, USA 07/30/2008 03:10 PM EST
We suggest one of two days:

FRIDAY, Aug. 1st (Feast of St. Alphonsus Ligouri)
OR
THURSDAY, Aug. 21st (Feast of Pope St. Pius X)
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Published by: Jack Picknell
Burnaby BC Canada 07/30/2008 01:36 PM EST
I will go to a Divine Mercy Devotion / Eucharistic Adoration on this First Friday.
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Published by: Ron
Columbus 07/30/2008 12:36 PM EST
What is the name of the UofM chancellor, so that we might voice our disappointment directly?
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Published by: DJSM
UK 07/30/2008 11:59 AM EST
Prayer?

havent we all had enough of this stuff? Action to prevent this man from teaching is what's needed, not simply prayer. "He who is ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of him", says the Lord.
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Published by: Sarah
St. Paul/MN/USA 07/30/2008 10:06 AM EST
As a UMM alum, I am absolutely ashamed to admit I graduated from this University as a faithful Catholic woman. I will never financially support my alma mater unless they take immediate action.
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Published by: Michael Zappe
United States 07/29/2008 11:17 PM EST
Does anyone know which day that interested laity may join in?
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