 
February 2010
17:52 GMT-05:00
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New Obama faith-based advisor described Knights of Columbus as ‘army of oppression’
 President Barack Obama / Harry Knox
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.- Several Catholics are included among President Barack Obama’s announced appointments to his advisory council on faith-based partnerships. However, the appointees also include a homosexual activist who has described the Pope as a “discredited leader” and the Knights of Columbus as “foot soldiers” of an “army of oppression” because of their opposition to same-sex “marriage.” Anthony R. Picarello Jr., General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), was announced as an appointee on April 6. A former head counsel and executive director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Picarello has litigated several major religious freedom cases. He is a 1991 graduate of Harvard University and received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. Picarello joins Fr. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, who was appointed to the advisory board in February. However, President Obama also appointed to the board Harry Knox, a leader with the homosexual activist group Human Rights Campaign (HRC). A former licensed minister of the United Methodist Church, Knox directs the HRC’s religion and faith program. He said in a statement on the HRC web site that he was “humbled” by the appointment. “The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is eager to help the Administration achieve its goals around economic recovery and fighting poverty; fatherhood and healthy families; inter-religious dialogue; care for the environment; and global poverty, health and development. And, of course, we will support the President in living up to his promise that government has no place in funding bigotry against any group of people.” Some activists have pressed for anti-discrimination requirements to be added to federal grants for religious organizations which perform public services. The change could force some religious groups to decide between receiving government funding and preserving their religious identity. According to CNSNews.com, Knox has described Pope Benedict XVI and certain Catholic bishops as “discredited leaders” because of their opposition to same-sex marriage. Though granting the Knights of Columbus’ “good works," Knox also called the organization’s members “foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression” because of the Catholic group’s support for the successful California ballot measure Proposition 8. Proposition 8 restored the definition of marriage to being between a man and a woman. Knox’s remarks, reportedly made to the Bay Area Reporter, also criticized the Pope’s comments on condoms and AIDS. He also told CNSNews.com that he “absolutely” stands by his criticism of the Pope. Another appointee to the advisory council, Bishop Charles Blake, is the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, California. A member of the U.N. New World Ecumenical Movement on Gay Rights, he is also a signatory to the 2008 “Faith in Human Rights Statement,” which world religious leaders signed to mark the 60th Anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Other appointees include Dalia Mogahed, author of the book “Who Speaks for Islam,” and Nathan Diament, director of public policy for the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. In a December 29, 2008 essay for the New Republic, Diament recommended that President Obama include religious exceptions for policies which advance homosexual causes as a way to placate the fears of those opposed to them. “Obama could be the first president to not only promote the expansion of gay rights, but also forge their durability by including religious protections within those very same laws. This would go a long way toward assuaging of those who view gay rights as a threat to their religious liberty.” Subscriber comments:
Published by: DonMatthew
Rochester/NH/USA 02/05/2010 02:25 AM EST
As a Fourth Degree Knight, I proudly recall reading when Pope John Paul II referred to us as "The strong right arm of the Catholic Church".
In the Old Testament, God referred to certain acts as being "abominations". To my knowledge, God has never changed His mind on that point. The teaching of the Church goes right along with that position because it's not our job to tell God what is good or bad. He handed down His laws thousands of years ago, and they have served humanity well since then.
May it be ever thus.
Signed,
PGK, PFN, FDD (and you Knights know what those initials mean, of course)
Published by: Kevin
Houston/TX/USA 09/26/2009 11:19 AM EST
Wow! What an outstanding recuitment statement for the Knight of Columbus. We should make full use of this. Yes, indeed we are the Foot Soldiers of Our Savior. I am proud to have joined that army. Oh yes, to those who have commented that they are Catholics and are allowed to pick and choose what they believe I suggest you miss part of your religious education. To be a true Catholic you must believe the teaching of our Church.
To paraphrase a great President. We are not engaged in a great war testing whether this nation or any nation so dedicated can long endure. That war: Anti-GOD. Denial of GOD. Oppression of GOD. Faliure to call evil what it is. Innundation of anti-family network broadcasts. Glorification of deviant sexual behaviour by our broadcast and film industries. Enough is enough!
Stand up Brother Knights and encourage others to join your ranks.
Published by: Peter
San Francisco 05/04/2009 11:07 AM EST
He is right to criticize the Pope's stand on condom usage to prevent AIDS. There are many Catholic theologians who believe that condom usage to prevent the spread of AIDS is morally neutral. I agree with them.
Published by: RICK
TEMPE/AZ/USA 04/22/2009 11:30 AM EST
AFTER BEING BLINDED BY OBAMA'S SWEET TALK AND SMILE MANY OF THOSE WHO DID VOTE FOR HIM ARE NOW STARTING TO REGAIN THEIR SIGHT. THEIR MINDS ARE BECOMING CLEARER AND MANY HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY AND ONLY THEY HAVE THE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN DESTINY. sOME STILL MIX "DIVERSITY" WITH STUPIDITY. QUIT THINKING THIS ONE MAN CAN SAVE US. gOS IS YOU R TRUE SAVIOR. lIKE IT OR NOT. PEACE BE WITH YOU.
Published by: Paul
Flower Mound, TX USA 04/21/2009 03:07 PM EST
Knox and others like him are such hypocrites. If we disagree with their point of view, we are considered "haters" or "oppressors." What do they consider themselves when they disagree with our points of view? How tolerant are they of us and our chosen lifestyles? By their actions and words against us, do they not act as haters and oppressors?
Published by: Stephen
UK 04/21/2009 07:05 AM EST
I'm confused...I thought Obama was a Christian? Why is he appointing people to his administration that are at odds with his faith?! What happened to "One Nation Under God"? More like "One Nation Under God...When it Suits Us"...
Published by: Smart Irishman
Orange County 04/20/2009 11:27 PM EST
I believe Obama makes these types of appointments intentionally to stir contraversy, which directs the attention away from himself. It is simular to throwing a dog a bone. He just gives the peole what they want, a contraversy over fundamental issues. He believes that we will resolve the issues, the way Americans feel, meanwhile these contraversies steer attention away from him, as president, were he can then further find his position for his next move, either to seem as a rallier of the common good or a minipulation of the masses.
Published by: Ed
Las Vegas, NV 04/17/2009 05:45 PM EST
I too am a 4th degree Knight who has studied homosexuality. CourageRC.com has many stories of those who left the gay lifestyle. And, it can be done - check out Exodus and Love Won out. All great organizations to help same sex attraction. It goes against the Natural Law. That is why it is not allowed and why it is spelled out in both Scripture and the Catechism. If my son were gay, I would help him get out of it - do I want him to live only 52 years? Do I want him to have higher rates of depression? Aids? HIV? Suicide? Help these people with love.
Published by: Jerry
Chicago 04/16/2009 01:14 AM EST
Why is anyone surprised at this? He said he would do this all along if elected.
I don't know how anyone that has read the Chatechism can have voted for this man. My dad taught me, and I am teaching my sons, that being a Catholic doesn't mean you get to pick and choose what you want to believe in our faith. You are either Catholic and believe it all, or you are something else. I was at a Tea Party today and finally met a regretful Catholic that voted for this man. Her comments were along the lines of "I cannot believe I allowed myself to be caught up in it all without thinking it through." I believe her "conversion" is the result of all our prayers! We need to continue praying for these folks and for the President. It works! YBIC.
Published by: Marissa
AV, California, USA 04/14/2009 12:07 PM EST  Rate: Excellent
Obama is against gay marriage too. That's probably the only thing we both agree on.
There will never be anti-discrimination. Catholics are already discriminated because we don't believe in homosexual acts. Hate the sin, Love the sinner. It is sad that people who practice homosexuality consider that as something that makes up their entire being. They call themselves homosexuals and assume that that is the only thing that defines them. They would also assume that all who don't believe in the practices are their enemy--their oppressor. Since I am a Catholic, should I assume that all Protestants hate or disagree with me? This man, Knox, is not promoting peace or anti-discrimination. He is promoting separation and hatred. Fellow Christians, we must pray for him.
Published by: SP
Westminster,CO 04/14/2009 09:18 AM EST Rate: Regular
As a long time Catholic, I am offended by my church's stance on Homosexuality. It is obvious to me that since God created all, He also created gays and I am not going to sit here and judge the Lord's decision on that. I also find it amazining how people who are pro-life never call the Republican's on their war stance or on their death penalty stance. Why the double standard on life?
Published by: Len
Brogue Pa, USA 04/13/2009 11:02 AM EST
I'm a catholic father that has a gay son. I'm torn on this. Yes I belive that he should not marry but should he be denied all the other benifits you and I have. I say no. But until you are in my shoes will you all understand. Take time tyo talk to a fellow catholic who has a son or daughter who is gay. Than make up your mind. do not enter into this until you can see both sides.
Published by: taad
Louisville/USA 04/12/2009 06:30 AM EST
They are trying to divide the Catholics by their appointments and going to ND. This is an organized plan to keep us divided using those who are being disobedient as a wedge against us. Mary, Our Queen and Mother, intercede for us!
Published by: Ray
San Diego 04/11/2009 09:20 PM EST
This is another example of proposed governmental control that has grown since January 20th - business control, media control, elimination of secret ballot for union organization, control of religion (e.g. CT bill), school curriculum etc. What's happening to Liberty?
Published by: Norm Bishop
Naperville, Illinois 04/11/2009 09:08 AM EST
The Knights of Columbus speak up for the rights of humanity that cannot speak-up for themselves. The unborn; the aged; the poor; the people who are caught in tough life situations such as job loss, death or family issues; the oppressed. We believe in religous freedom. We believe in our country and our elected leaders. However, when our leaders chose to endanger our religous freedoms, our individual rights or our fundamental believes, it is our right to speak up and express our beliefs. As a proud Knight and foot soldier of Christ,I will continue to vote and will express myself to my elected leaders. Commitees formed of non-elected leaders may advise and influence. However, they do not speak for the citizen majority, and our President should realize that our founding fathers recognised the rights through the bill of rights, and our constitution.
Published by: Gary
Ga. US 04/09/2009 09:46 PM EST
All those "Catholics" that voted for Obama must be real proud of themselves. They have done more to harm not only the Catholic Church but also Christianity as a whole and morality.
Published by: Randal Agostini
Chicago, Illinois 04/09/2009 08:50 PM EST
I have been a Knight of Columbus for nearly twenty years. During that entire time I have not known a single Knight to oppress anyone for anything. It is a reputation we have received for believing in the sanctity of life, and family values. We do seem to spend an unusual amount of time and money in trying to help others in need. We don't seek the limelight except as honor guards at religious ceremonial occasions and we don't coerce anyone into joining nor staying - We welcome all Catholic men in good standing. Vivat Jesus
Published by: Larry
New Orleans, LA, USA 04/09/2009 02:12 PM EST
Well I am a Knight of Columbus, and I am certainly no oppressor. I will, however, defend the Catholic faith and teaching of the church. This guy is an unabashed homosexual deviant. I oppose his lifestyle and can't believe we have elected a president that would even think of allowing a nut like this guy to be one of his "advisors." May God have mercy on this wayward country. I can't believe I spilled my blood in a foreign land for this.
Published by: Bob P.
Havre de Grace, MD USA 04/09/2009 01:54 PM EST
Dan from Santa Fe: As a 4th Degree Knight, I never understood how anyone could be Catholic & pro-Obama. The man is against almost every Christian teaching! Next time, Be Careful What You Vote For...
Published by: Steve
College Dale/TN/USA 04/09/2009 12:16 PM EST
I think that this act is consistent with previous actions by the President. During the campaign, he talked about change but would not be specific about the changes that he wanted to implement. Ever since taking the oath of office, we are seeing that he wants to turn this country upside down and throw away the values and good practices of the past. We need leadership that recognizes that God is supreme and that His wishes come first, not our own petty preferences.
Published by: James Macaluso
Fort Washington, MD 04/09/2009 06:31 AM EST
I am a Knights of Columbus member and it is a travesty that the President would appoint such a informed person to such a important panel
Published by: Gene
Tampa FL USA 04/08/2009 10:55 PM EST Rate: Bad
I echo Oskar's Bravo for Obama. I am a Knight and proud of it, but am also a supporter of Obama. It seems the far right are trying to claim the Knights and the entire Catholic faith as theirs alone.
Published by: Lisa
Sidney, IL, USA 04/08/2009 09:56 PM EST
Obama is a very polarizing president. So much for "change". He's done nothing but attack Christians since he came to office. I don't think violating the rights of health care workers by taking away their ability to act on their conscience and openly calling faithful Catholics "oppressors" is a very "diverse" action. Call me crazy, but I don't see much in the way of compromise in this man. He's only "tolerant" to those who share his views as are most people who pat themselves on the back for being "diverse". You can keep the "change", thanks. God have mercy on our country. We're in trouble.
Published by: mvale
gainesville ga usa 04/08/2009 06:12 PM EST
It is very sad that we have elected a president who appears to be anti-religious. I am very worried about my country. May God help us.
Published by: Rich
Nashua, NH USA 04/08/2009 06:08 PM EST
I used to have a t-shirt with the silhouette of a knight on his stallion. Under it were the words "Where exactly is the next Crusade?" Well, it's right here in front of us. No need to travel to a far distant land.
As a very active Knight of Columbus, it is my haappy priveledge to belong to an "army of oppression". An army that oppresses the love of immorality and the hatred of God and His Holy Church.
Published by: Sandra Brastad
Savage,MN 04/08/2009 03:47 PM EST Rate: Very Good
My Dad was a proud KC for many years and I can't imagine what he'd think about these comments if he'd be with us. My Dad stood up for the unborn!
Published by: Michael Austen
Pembroke, ON, Canada 04/08/2009 01:19 PM EST Rate: Excellent
Knox has picked a fight with the wrong Catholic Fraternity.
We will not be branded oppressors because of our unrelenting stance on fundamental social issues like the Right to Life and the Institution of Marriage. We will defend the Pope and his brother Bishops from such slander. Yet another jab in the face from President Obama towared the Church by appointing such an ignorant and arrogant man.
Published by: Frank Niemiec
Phoenix/AZ/USA 04/08/2009 12:50 PM EST Rate: Excellent
As a member of the Knights of Columbus, I am happy to be a "foot soldier" in the battle against those who mock the teachings of the Church. Bring it on!
Published by: Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Canada 04/08/2009 12:18 PM EST Rate: Excellent
This is the language of homosexual activists. Expect nothing more.
It's the old semantic subterfuge of accusing your opponents of what you are doing, all under the false banner of human rights. The world has had traditional marriage for thousands of years. A group of upstarts attack that institution. The defenders are called oppressors. The common media go along with this attitude because homosexuals, having no normal family duties, have greater individual buying power. Thus, the media and politicians court them as a target market.
Published by: linda
England 04/08/2009 08:30 AM EST Rate: Excellent
The forces of the anti-Christ are drawing together from all sides.
The Catholic Church must rise up and oppose them!
Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/08/2009 07:22 AM EST
Knox is a very disappointing choice for any post other than possibly town animal warden. Are you pro-Obama Catholics cheering now? If so, why?
Published by: Oskar
Westminster MD USA 04/08/2009 06:57 AM EST Rate: Bad
Bravo for Obama and three cheers for diversity. How else would you get all these people in a room with each other?
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