Religion & Law

Why Won't John McCain Reject Anti-Catholicism?

Dear Friend,

Last Wednesday, Senator John McCain said he was "honored" to receive the endorsement of Evangelical pastor John Hagee. Pastor Hagee is a controversial and influential figure who has issued sentiments offensive to many Catholics. He has argued that the Catholic Church inspired and supported the Holocaust, and even called it the "Great Whore."

In 2000, John McCain made headlines when he publicly spoke out against faith leaders he described as "agents of intolerance." Now he is openly touting Pastor Hagee's divisive endorsement - a move that calls into serious question his commitment to principle.

Catholics United wrote John McCain last week and asked that he publicly distance himself from Hagee's anti-Catholic comments and reject this endorsement. After receiving numerous inquiries from the media, John McCain has refused to condemn Hagee's anti-Catholic comments.  He remains "proud" of this endorsement.

As Catholic League president Bill Donohue pointed out, Sen. Barack Obama rejected an endorsement from Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, an endorsement the senator did not solicit in any way. But McCain not only asked for Hagee's endorsement, he was proud to win it. Tell Senator McCain to do the right thing and demonstrate unequivocally that anti-Catholicism and intolerance have no place in American politics.

Sincerely,

Chris and James
The Catholics United Team

Watch a CNN clip on the Controversial Endorsement

Read Catholics United's Letter to John McCain

Read a New York Times Report on John McCain speaking out against "agents of intolerance"