Bishop Dolan’s speech at DNC: A barnburner

The best event of the Democrat National Convention was the “end”. How many saw Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York’s 5 minute concluding speech? John Bender, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, seems to put things best in his response to the myriad of responders [One Nation Under God: A Response to an Article Written by the Huffington Post About Cardinal Dolan].

Few at the DNC really cared about Dolan’s words. One wonders, why no major news organization covered the speech, or transmitted it later? One also wonders, why the word “GOD” was never used, except for Bishop Dolen’s prayer at the end? The full text and video can be seen here.

Bishop Dolan had initially asked to say the closing prayer at the DNC, but was refused. Only very recently had DNC officials decided that it was in the DNC’s best interests to allow him to say the prayer.

Dolan did not endorse either party. He asked for God’s blessings for President Obama, and VP Joe Biden; as well as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and Congressman Paul Ryan.

It was not difficult to see close-up expressions of delegates at the convention during those last 5 minutes. Nor was it difficult to discern the many moans and groans elicited from many who remained behind for the end of ceremonies.

Democrats were fairly upset Cardinal Dolan gently, but earnestly, reproved them about respecting human life and religious liberty during his closing benediction at the DNC.

From Twitter, just after the prayer hundreds of liberals vented their frustration with Dolan. There were numerous samples of graphic language (e.g., F-bombs) liberals dropped on the Cardinal during, and after his benediction.

Even many Catholics decried Dolan’s invitation to Obama asking his attendance at the yearly Al Smith Catholic Charities dinner in October. What many Catholics fail to understand is that believers are supposed to visit the ‘belly of the beast’. Jesus visited houses of sinners, opposing religious icons, and criminals constantly; in order to sway their opinion.

Many don’t realize Dolan is doing just that. He says this dinner is a way for people to promote the growth of dialog and communication. Dolan has always been very specific on his beliefs on abortion, euthanasia, women in the priesthood, marriage between one woman and one man, and many other long-held beliefs.

It just so happens this election, Democrats come down squarely on the opposite side of each one of these non-negotiables for Catholics.

It’s unfortunate the major networks didn’t broadcast the prayer. A better prayer could not have been said. Likely a few took his words to heart. Even if only one person in that delegation believed Dolan, it would have been worth it. Cardinal Dolan knew that, but how many DNC participants did?

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Kevin Roeten can be reached at roetenks@charter.net.