Last night, Cardinal Timothy Dolan gave the closing prayer at the Democratic National Convention. Dolan unnecessarily and inappropriately politicized his remarks. He appeared more partisan than prayerful and more animated by wedge issues than worship. It was hard to tell whether he was a Republican member of the House of Representatives or a representative from a house of worship.
For example, he had to slip in the abortion issue at at a political convention:
“We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected.”
And what surely appeared to be commentary on marriage equality, Dolan had this to say:
“Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature’s God. Empower us with your grace so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community.”
Dolan also got in Rome’s bogus talking point about Religious Liberty:
“Renew in all our people a profound respect for religious liberty.”
With all of the problems in the world, Dolan squandered much of his talk on Republican culture war themes. What a wasted opportunity to bring people together. Next time, can the Democrats find a faith leader who actually shares their inclusive values? Dolan’s divisive prayer was a lowlight in an otherwise stellar convention full of highlights.
