Pro-lifers' arrest at basilica highlights debate over tax-exempt status

By Matt C. Abbott

Two Catholic men were recently arrested for passing out pro-life, anti-Obama literature at the basilica in Baltimore, according to a Sept. 15 news release on Christian Newswire (edited excerpt follows):

'Joseph Landry, 27, and Brian Sherwood, 35, were arrested at the Basilica of the Assumption in Baltimore, Md., for passing out pro-life literature after Mass. They were peaceful and respectful.

'Mr. Landry is currently in jail with a $10,000 bond. Mr. Sherwood was released late Sunday night on his own recognizance.

'Mr. Landry states: 'I am shocked that we — as devout Catholics — are being arrested at a Catholic church for handing out Catholic literature. If the bishops don't have to courage to tell their flock that it is immoral to vote for a child-killer like Obama, the faithful will.''

I e-mailed Sean Caine, director of the Baltimore archdiocese's communications office, regarding the incident. The following is Mr. Caine's (unedited) response:

'The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) Board of Governors has a policy that states that the only election-related materials to be distributed at parishes come from the diocesan bishop, the MCC, or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Further, the distribution of materials that encourages Catholics to vote for one candidate over another is a violation of the guidelines governing all non-profit organizations, including churches. It is important that organizations seeking to make their voices heard do so freely within the context and framework of the regulations that exist.

'Had this group approached the Archdiocese or the parish and said that they wanted to promote a pro-life message that is consistent with Church teaching and respectful of our guidelines for doing so, that would have been preferable to the aggressive and confrontational approach they employed. Advocates for life need to work with the local Church to promote a culture of life and to make sure that this critical message is spread — this is our collective goal. For groups that simply don't agree with the Church's message or its methods of delivery, ambushing local parishes and their parishioners cannot be tolerated.'

I have to say, I'm torn on this. I can understand the archdiocese's position, but, at the same time, I don't like to see peaceful pro-lifers persecuted by Church officials for any reason, let alone passing out literature, even if such literature is political in nature.

Perhaps the two men were told to go outside the basilica to distribute their literature and they refused. If that was indeed the case, they should have complied and avoided further confrontation. But if they were distributing the literature on the sidewalk in front of the basilica, wouldn't they be on public property? If so, why were they arrested? Those details aren't in the news release, and, in fairness to the archdiocese, they are relevant to what took place.

All things considered, however, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth when two (perhaps imprudent) pro-lifers are arrested and jailed merely for passing out morally and politically-themed literature; meanwhile, corrupt elements in the Church continue to flourish as Church officials — some of them, at least — seemingly look the other way.

I know that tax-exempt status is an important issue, but is the fear of losing such status leading the Catholic Church in the U.S. to persecute its own? Or is it that a majority of U.S. Catholic leaders simply desire to see liberal Democrats — even those who are pro-abortion and anti-family — in power and will thus use the "tax-exempt status" issue as cover?

What are your thoughts, dear readers?

Update:

Sean Caine e-mailed me the following:

"I read your story on Renew America and appreciate that you posted my statement in full and also am grateful for pointing out an important aspect of the incident which did not appear in my statement. The individuals who were at the Basilica were, indeed, asked to do so on the public sidewalk in front of the Basilica. Every person going into the Basilica must do so via the public sidewalk in front of it. Had they complied with this request, they would have avoided all controversy and had unfettered access to those entering and exiting the Basilica. I hope this makes it clear that they were not 'persecuted' by the Church but merely asked to distribute their materials on the public sidewalk in front of the Basilica. Thanks for your fair reporting of this matter."

© Matt C. Abbott