While Pope Francis’ views on political issues are setting
off all kinds of alarm bells on the far right and dividing conservatives in a very public
way, Michigan’s newest entrant into the 2018 race for governor, Congresswoman
Candice Miller, has come down solidly on the side of the pontiff.
Miller, who said last week that she is exploring a gubernatorial run, issued a glowing statement following the papal address to a
joint session of Congress on Thursday. Here’s what the Harrison Township
Republican said:
joint session of Congress on Thursday. Here’s what the Harrison Township
Republican said:
Today, during his
first visit to the United States, Pope Francis became the first pope in history
to address a joint meeting of Congress. His message was one of hope and
encouragement, where he invoked the spirits of four great American pioneers
that sought to acquire freedom, liberty and social equality for all Americans:
Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.
first visit to the United States, Pope Francis became the first pope in history
to address a joint meeting of Congress. His message was one of hope and
encouragement, where he invoked the spirits of four great American pioneers
that sought to acquire freedom, liberty and social equality for all Americans:
Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.
Citing each of
these pioneers’ great contributions, Pope Francis called on this nation, the ‘land
of the free and home of the brave,’ to continue its important mission to defend
the innocent and fight for the common good of mankind. He emphasized the need
to safeguard intellectual, religious and individual freedom – at home and
abroad – and stressed the importance of solidarity, certainly a message that
all of mankind can agree with.
these pioneers’ great contributions, Pope Francis called on this nation, the ‘land
of the free and home of the brave,’ to continue its important mission to defend
the innocent and fight for the common good of mankind. He emphasized the need
to safeguard intellectual, religious and individual freedom – at home and
abroad – and stressed the importance of solidarity, certainly a message that
all of mankind can agree with.
The pope’s message
today was so uplifting and addressed the fundamental need to create a more
compassionate society, focusing on human dignity. In a time of global conflict
and uncertainty, Pope Francis’ compassion and unconditional acceptance serves
as an inspiration to all. I am thankful for the opportunity to have heard,
firsthand, from His Holiness about his thoughts on peace and the betterment of
our global society.
today was so uplifting and addressed the fundamental need to create a more
compassionate society, focusing on human dignity. In a time of global conflict
and uncertainty, Pope Francis’ compassion and unconditional acceptance serves
as an inspiration to all. I am thankful for the opportunity to have heard,
firsthand, from His Holiness about his thoughts on peace and the betterment of
our global society.
A footnote:
Miller may want to brush up on her history as Day and Merton were rather
radical Catholics who criticized capitalism, engaged in numerous protests and
favored pacifism. They would typically earn the label of “great American
pioneers” by those on the far left from the Vietnam generation.
Miller may want to brush up on her history as Day and Merton were rather
radical Catholics who criticized capitalism, engaged in numerous protests and
favored pacifism. They would typically earn the label of “great American
pioneers” by those on the far left from the Vietnam generation.
