It's time for a Catholic comeback

Ambassador Ray Flynn says Catholics have the clout to make a difference nationwide . . .

Ray Flynn

The recent decision by the Obama administration to close the existing U.S. Vatican embassy and move it to the back of the property now occupied by the U.S. embassy to Italy has generated a lot of concern among informed Catholics.

I think most people understand the importance of a positive diplomatic relationship between the U.S. government and the Holy See. Ambassadors keep the lines of communication open between these two enormously important governments, which oftentimes act as peacemakers in various parts of the world.

The decision to consolidate the U.S. Vatican embassy in itself might not seem significant to some people, but considering all the other things that are happening to the Catholic Church, this decision has created concern about the decline in respect for the Church and traditional religious values in America today. Some government officials have denied that an anti-Catholic bias is at play here, but denying the problem will not change reality.

Not only was I in Rome when full formal diplomatic relations were established in 1984 between the United States and the Holy See, but I remember having a conversation with both Pope John Paul II and President Reagan about this new diplomatic post. Everyone had great expectations for its success, and the achievements have been remarkable under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

But it’s not just about moving the U.S.-Vatican embassy that is of concern. It’s more about the attacks on human life, the family, religious freedom, and the U.S. government’s unconstitutional mandates on religiously affiliated institutions. Governmental mandates have forced Catholic hospitals and schools to close and have ended children’s and women’s services — including adoption.

At the international level, it’s even worse: the frequent bombings of Catholic churches, the murder of Christians in the Middle East, and the intimidation of Christians. Yet these atrocious events receive very little attention or outrage, except by some in the Catholic press. No moral indignation from the United Nations, the president of the United States or our elected officials. Now the U.S. government wants to downgrade its Vatican embassy. The media asks me why I’m upset about it. “Don’t be so sensitive,” they tell me.

When do all these subtle and not-so-subtle attacks end? When do Catholics say enough is enough!? How many more examples do we need to hear before we find the courage to speak out and take action? Unfortunately, some Catholics will never take a stand in defense of traditional Catholic values — and for the human rights of oppressed and persecuted Christians.

Recently I was asked, “What can average Catholics do — Catholics who don’t have political power, money, organization or the media to change anything?” Sadly, I hear this all the time and from people who should know better. I remember my grandparents telling me stories about Catholic bigotry when they first came to Boston from Ireland. Catholics faced ugly bigotry in looking for work and housing. They saw advertisements in newspapers and store windows reading, “Help Wanted. No Catholics or Irish Need Apply.” This went on for years and nobody in political power did anything about it. It wasn’t until these poor immigrant Catholics finally got political power that the discrimination and bigotry against Catholics declined.

But things have changed for the worse for Catholics in the last 20 years. A new, well-organized and financed political force has emerged. These folks are determined to tear down the Church’s influence. These relentless attacks in the media, by the movie industry and from secular progressives, have forced Catholic politicians and writers to cave in. They find it convenient to go along with this growing radical political force that recognizes the Church as the only institution strong enough to stand up to their radical anything-goes agenda. So when are lay Catholics going to wake up and see what’s going on in America? When will they take a stand?

Is there anything we can we do? A lot! But only if we’ve got the moral and political courage to try. First, Catholics need a stronger political voice. Don’t tell me we’re not political, because that means other people will decide public issues for us. We need a well-organized political effort with the ability to communicate with Catholics on an immediate basis. Catholics should consider boycotting commercial products and media outlets that attack Catholic values. We must be active on the Internet and be willing to take on hostile critics. We need to attend community meetings and let everyone know what we think. It’s called democracy!

RAY FLYNN is the former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See (1993-1997) and former mayor of Boston (1984-1993).