Problems from ‘pelvic issues’ emphasis

In response to Bishop Robert Barron (“Dave Rubin, the ‘pelvic issues’ and Jewish comedians,” Feb. 9), I don’t understand why he is surprised that out of the entire interview [with political commentator Dave Rubin], most of the response had to do with “pelvic issues.” I totally agree with him, that with the Gospels and the epistles of St. Paul, “you don’t get the impression that what their authors wanted you primarily to understand is sexual morality.” Yet, that is what the majority of Catholic voters have focused on.

“Pelvic issues,” as Bishop Barron calls them, is why Mr. Trump is in office. As Christians, we ignored his language, we ignored his disparaging remarks about women, the disabled and the Muslims. We rationalized his business acumen and ignored his bankruptcies. We gave him a pass on his taxes and financial conflicts of interest. We didn’t seem to mind that he didn’t have any record of defending the poor; we didn’t even mind his white supremacist friends and personal advisors. All we noticed was that he changed from pro-choice to anti-abortion, assuring us of a Supreme Court that will be pro-business, anti-protection and anti-regulation (i.e., anti-clean air, water and earth). Oh, yes, and by the way, pro-life except, of course, in regards to the death penalty.  (The Catholics on the court — the conservative ones, that is — who are in the majority, are not interested in being pro-life for criminals, a non-“pelvic issue.”)

Quite literally, we have sacrificed our own Christianity, and possibly our country, for a “pelvic issue,” as Bishop Barron calls it. We didn’t even listen to our own pope in regards to Mr. Trump’s behavior and his anti-immigrant attitudes. As long as he’s against that “pelvic issue,” everything is OK. Mr. Trump has skillfully played us for the fools we are. Now there is no chance of finding common ground, seeking moral solutions and letting the world know we are Christians by our love.

Elizabeth Rosenwinkel
St. Albert the Great, Minneapolis

Kudos for Catholics at the Capitol

Catholics at the Capitol day was a huge success and a day for all Catholics to be proud. Catholics from all corners of Minnesota came to St. Paul to share their faith and zeal in the public square. Kudos to all our bishops, many priests, deacons, sisters, seminarians, students and all who participated in this wonderful show of support for Christ’s Church! Thank you, Minnesota Catholic Conference, for spearheading this fantastic event.

Bridget Kluesner
Divine Mercy, Faribault

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