Why the Catholic Church expelled me w/Roy Bourgeois | The Chris Hedges Report

As a young man, Roy Bourgeois enlisted to fight in the Vietnam War. After being injured, he became a volunteer at a local orphanage and was inspired to become a priest upon his return to the US. Bourgeois became a priest in Bolivia during the dictatorship of General Hugo Banzer. He decided he could not be an apolitical priest. He spoke out against Banzer's political repression, leading to his arrest and expulsion from Bolivia. Back in the US, Bourgeois organized protests outside Fort Benning, Georgia where the US was training Salvadorian soldiers to fight the leftist insurgency. He was imprisoned twice for illegally entering the base during planned direct actions against the war. In 2012, Bourgeois was excommunicated by the Catholic Church for supporting the ordination of women.
Roy Bourgeois is an American activist, a laicized Roman Catholic priest, and the founder of the human rights group School of the Americas Watch (SOA Watch). He is the author of Stop the Killing: My Journey from Silence to Solidarity and Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider's View.
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[@edwardlarkin4279]

I remember when the Pope and Ronald Reagan supported the war in Central Amer. I was raised Catholic and saw the contradiction of the faith. I tell people I'm a Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton Catholic. Also got arrested several times in those yrs. My Mother asked me why I was getting arrested, and I told her that they were killing priests and nuns in Central America for supporting Liberation Theology. Like my mother. many Catholics were and are not today aware of what went on in Central Amer. Fr Roy is a great man, and a true Christian.

[@MrJakehues]

Reagan more than supported the war - he promulgated the slaughters.

[@europaeuropa3673]

CIA has their own death squads within their secret paramilitary.

[@solidaritytime3650]

Preach it dude! This reminds me of something Cornel West said- that if the institutional forms of religion were the only forms be knew to be, he may well be an atheist.

[@LawrenceCarroll1234]

@@solidaritytime3650, wow - I love Cornel West, but I did not know he said that (not that it doesn’t make perfect sense that he would!). Anyway that is why I’ve always been fascinated by Jeddu Krishnamurti, who was adopted as a child by the Theosophical Society and raised by them to become “The World Teacher,” but who ultimately rejected that role. He also rejected all messianic teachings and all dogma, but cannot be categorized as an atheist - or easily as anything traditional or established. In his teaching, it is what the absolute or God is NOT that is important, rather than what it is. But he was completely apolitical as well, never endorsing any political philosophy or ideal.

[@Kameshwari108]

Your comment about Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton resonates with me. I have a daily meditation of reading Merton.

[@joecool3332]

Roy spoke to a poli-sci class I took back in 2002 at the U of Montana. He's an amazing human and an inspiration to anyone seeking social and economic justice.

[@francesbernard2445]

Way too many American young men lilke him are suffering today too while being told that only getting to wear some secular minded arbitrarty set of labels and a uniform or outfit complying with workplace dress codes should be enough consolation for them while they are coping with permanent health conditions caused by injuries while doing their duty during conscription or while doing their duty in employment that involves hidden (occult dark money funded) occupational health hazards. I would like to think that calling women to the priesthood too would help to change that evil that is harming a lot of young men who are only continuing to experience natural affection towards whomever they work with too however I doubt that it will until for example Russia becomes fully consecrated and thereby fully welcomed into the universal church on earth too.

[@MountaineeringSense]

F'in WOW! Amazing! Thanks Roy n Chris! I often pound where Chis and the Real News comes up with these amazing interviews! It is actually UNREAL! Please Don't Stop!

[@ChooseCompassion]

I would consider that a badge of honor, but it speaks volumes beyond my own personal opinion.

[@nickjohnson3619]

This is what I love about Chris's show. We get profiles on incredible people we would never hear about from the mainstream media. This is a person I'd want my sons to learn about

[@jaspercollins7005]

God Bless you, Father Roy, forever.

[@cletusaschoff7475]

Growing up going to a catholic school I figured out how money hungry the church is they teach abortion ,divorce and even premarital and coveting sex is a sin yet they marry and accept all this .and yes the catholic church need to get rid of sexual bias. I quit going to church at the time I graduated

[@LawrenceCarroll1234]

This is great seeing Father Roy again being interviewed. I love the way he is a “spiritual anarchist” - which might be expressed as “question with your heart and soul anything that seems wrong or ‘off,’ and reject it if necessary.” It reminds me of when I was a teenager and the biggest laughs I got were from satires of “the establishment,” especially when it was parodying religious absurdity, such as when National Lampoon had an issue that featured “Son O’ God Comics.” The intent of such parody is not - as is often misconstrued - to unthinkingly raze all belief - but to see just how absurd so much that is taken as gospel is sometimes so ludicrous as to make one laugh uncontrollably! In other words, if I tried to place a revered saint or avatar like Krishna or Christ etc. in a scene where they were in charge of a military occupation or behind funding a cruel despot like Somoza, Pinochet, Stroessner, or Ceaușescu , I would not be able to get very far at all before a laughing paroxysm overcame the visualization.

[@dino0228]

Finally, an actual Christian Catholic. So many turn a blind eye and live quite contentedly with their cognitive dissonance in order to remain in the club. So sad. But it was a joy to watch this man describe his journey. 🙏🏻💛

[@lyndamonchak4072]

As a lapsed Roman Catholic this reported behavior of the Vatican doesn't surprise in the least BUT it does sadden me!

[@coming2getu64]

I understood him completely, thank you✌💪💜

[@cdeignan47]

Male supremacy was one of the many reasons I left the Catholic Church behind me at seventeen years of age. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household full of strong, independent women. The Catholic Church is obsessed with the suppression of any healthy expression of human sexuality, in particular, exercising control over female sexuality. It took me years to see myself as a sexual being, having been raised in Catholic Ireland where we were taught to abhor, repress, mistrust and subjugate our natural sexual desires. I have still to this day, not fully forgiven the Catholic Church for teaching me to hate one of the most beautiful aspects of my humanity.

[@presterjohn1697]

Roy has always been the MAN. This dude is genuine article

[@ElizabethFowler217]

As a RC, I am so amazed and glad to hear this exceptional man. I am not so sure that the Vatican will ever allow women to be ordained. Even Pope Benedict tried to allow for married priests, he tried to set up a precedent. But the college of the Cardinals would absolutely not allow. If I had been him, I works have resigned as well.

[@debrahannula9697]

Thank you Chris Hedges for your powerful interview with Father Roy Bourgeois. As I learned from your interview, whether as a Maryknoll priest serving the poor in Bolivia or advocating to close the US Army’s School (SOA) of the Americas, Bourgeois is all in. His time in federal prison for peacefully protesting the SOA didn’t deter him; it only made him see injustice everywhere, especially within his own Catholic church. Raised Roman Catholic, I know well the Church’s teachings on women and the LGBTQ+ community. Canon law calls gays “disordered.” As Bourgeois states in the interview, those teachings have led young people to commit suicide. Canon law states that women are not in control of their own destinies: All forms of birth control are banned and women cannot be called by God to serve as priests. As Bourgeois says in his book, Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church, what arrogance! Men are actually deciding who God can and cannot call to serve Him/Her/They. I am glad that Bourgeois states that he is still a priest because he was called by God. Men in robes cannot tell him that his call is not authentic, or is something that they can take from him. Neither can they say that women are not called. As Bourgeois says, if there is no change, the Catholic church will go the way of the dinosaur, which is fine by me.

[@PaulSavoy-ky1ct]

Hedges' Presbyterian church, along with all the other Protestant Mainline churches, has everything you're saying the Catholics need to do: married clergy, gay clergy, women clergy, remarried after divorce clergy. And the Mainline is still shrinking faster than the polar ice caps. Religion itself is the waste of time. You can fiddle with the rule books all you want it's still boring and useless.

[@rjbjr]

I would come home from grade school when I was ten and related to my mother stories that the Dominican nuns would tell me. When I reached twelve I started to argue with the nuns about their stories meant to frighten poor children and many adults. This obviously lead to me not believing anything that the Christian clergy told me. Anyone trying to tell me in my old age that my only salvation is through some supernatural myth, I politely try to tell them that I've heard it all before and suggest that they listen to what I have learned if they want to be happy and free.

[@DC-wg1cr]

That 12,000 is not counting the Native children.

[@3m5r56]

I am glad Father Roy is still a Catholic by faith. I am inspired by his work to change what is obviously wrong with the church.

[@EvolutionWendy]

This conversation produced a heartful reboot of my respect for religion. Thank you for this important interview.

[@richardsawicki8521]

Interesting! To me it seemed like the guys religion was his #1 adversary when it came to his trying to express and practice his humanitarian principles!

[@gallectee6032]

@@richardsawicki8521 Yeah.

[@proletariatprincess1]

It did for me too, and I am a long term atheist and critic of the Church and all religion. But if there were more like Fr Bourgeois I might be moved to change my mind...

[@gallectee6032]

@@proletariatprincess1 He was literally kicked out for all of the good things he did.

[@DiplomacyNOW]

MANY BLESSINGS to Father Roy and Chris Hedges and team. Chris, thank you for your intro about what taking up the Cross means, as in Matthew 25:40. PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO ALL.🕯🙏🏼

[@cheri238]

Yes, we all have much to be grateful for Chris Hedges and his important guests of intelligence.

[@Mikey-mike]

"God is all Knowing and all Powerful but He just can't handle money. He's ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MONEY !" George Carlin

[@robertcox14]

I really don't wish to dwell on reasons to disagree with Catholicism. I am a "Recovered Catholic" who has tried to abandon the many resentments I collected over years. But let's celebrate a Liberation Theology Christmas, singing John Lennon's "(Happy Christmas (War Is Over). Don't collect resentments.

[@jimb7996]

As a reluctant Catholic these two men are members of Veterans for Peace Board of Advisors and are always a beacon of hope and faith especially when I see them together! Thank you both.

[@maryganapol4157]

Roy, you’re an amazing man. You carried on the tradition of my great uncle Bishop Francis Ford, first Maryknoll priest, who died while a missionary in China. Thank you for your activism RE women priests. I’m a “fallen” Catholic who will never return and remain a secular activist for women’s rights.

[@angmorris2]

Roy is an amazing man with unusual courage. An inspiration and role model for all of us.

[@kathysquared]

God Bless Father Roy! You are getting a standing ovation from my desk. We are with you in spirit and support since hearing you speak about this many years ago in a non denominational Chicago church. Know you are loved .

[@normbaxter9661]

I was raised a Catholic, attended Catholic schools, and taught in Catholic schools. As I learned thorough my experiences, the Patriarchy of the Catholic church has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the actual teachings of Jesus. The goals of the Catholic Patriarchy are to increase their power, wealth, and sensual pleasure. It is no accident that if all the former Catholics like myself were to form their own denomination, it would be the second largest denomination in the United States. Fortunately, Catholicism, as Roy Bourgeois has written, is going to collapse from its own hypocrisy.

[@billmagorian490]

Chris you are the best. Your speeches and interviews are informative, edifying, and motivating. Roy is an amazing man of God and action.

[@StriveNot]

So much love and respect for both Chris and Roy. You speak to the core of my Being. Words just aren't enough to express my love and gratitude. The light in me bows to the light in you.

[@berlynify]

..my humble estimation? Fr. Roy walks with J*sus - a true humanitarian, a person of faith, a feminist. G:)d bless Fr. Roy & all those he seeks to help ❤🙏🏽(🇨🇦)

[@interesting7906]

Good to know that if you're abusing children in the catholic church you're all good you can be a priest forever. If you go against authority and the system you get kicked out.🤐

[@antimattv]

My high school (Catholic) world religions teacher was a woman. In my eyes she was the perfect example of what should be a priesthood candidate.

[@stillraven9415]

God Bless you!🙏 Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our creator was the must humble man that ever lived, yet sinful men think they deserve warship.

[@EvolutionWendy]

So true. So true, where's the humility, where's the reverence and gentleness for this creation of God.

[@stillraven9415]

@@EvolutionWendy 👍

[@luisinharamos]

Excellent! Thank you. 🕊

[@Adrian-gm7vf]

After moving my family to Portland TX,a corrupt police officer by the name of Hodges made an attempt on my life, while my daughter was with me.hodges had not noticed my daughter after stopping us for a false traffic violation.he approached me with gun in one hand while holding another that he was going to plant under my seat after he shot me the stop was behind the Catholic church .we asked a priest by the name of Mark chamberlain.this was done in writing and in person.instead of helping, Chamberlain, notified the same cops and corrupt San Patricio county attorney by the name of Tamara cockroach may, who had been instructing lawenforcement to stalk and attack my family.the attacks have continued to this day

[@jackbottomly4420]

Better move ! ! Many men do not have the Spirit of God in them .

[@edwardlarkin4279]

Thankyou Chris Hedges, bringing this to the people. Most Catholics don't know a thing about this history. I've always identified myself with Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Matthew Fox and indeed Fr Roy as the Catholic I always want to be.

[@josiemcneil8274]

Roy is a genuine prophet ~ such an inspiration. Thank you, Roy, for being a brave voice. josie in NC

[@DC-wg1cr]

What a great name for someone who stands with the poor lol

[@erickane7093]

Jesus stood up against all authoritarian representatives as well. Blessings be!

[@davidskeffington1269]

I totally agree with Chis Hedges when he points out that being Christian means you 'pick up your own Cross and carry it'. I see all the time these people, who call themselves Ministers of Jesus Christ spewing hate and nonsense and want to place blame for everything and anything on certain demographic sectors of society. I am no Saint but I know that I am not part of the garbage who preaches this way and that Jesus Christ did not stand for any of this kind of hateful nonsense.

[@solidaritytime3650]

Another ex-Catholic here. Took the liberty of excommunicating the Church before they excommunicated me.

[@mikeporro3311]

Converted to Eastern Orthodox 7 years ago. Never got involved In The Roman Church where I was Baptized. Once I desired to return and after careful research concluded that the Eastern Orthodox Church is the true Church of the Apostles. Merry Chistmas to all but especially my Brethren In Christ!

[@EPixieGrin]

Wow this is incredible, thank you so much. I just came across this channel yesterday. An exceptional channel and journalism. This is the type of news we need publicly, in replace of the terror and propaganda we get in mainstream media.

[@eoharafisher]

So many Catholic male leaders don't speak boldly about the sexism in the church and women's ordination. (Even progressives who speak on other issues.) The church theology is very dualistic, and theologians would need to revise it down to the very bones. It's very frustrating as a woman in the church. We women (myself a Chaplain) are grateful to you Roy!!

[@richardbluhm1873]

"Do unto others...". Be kind. Do no harm. Think. Think. Think. That's it.

[@mudpiemudpie785]

They did him a favor. He's better off without the Catholic church.

[@sholbk]

Thank you for having Roy on. An excellent interview. He is an excellent example of a strong man.

[@odzychris7996]

Chris Hedges! Thank your for this Christmas gift. I'm a gay catholic priest dueling with church right now. This priest Roy gives me hope! I have hope! And I believe I'm right where God wants me. So I'm just leaning it his will! I follow you regularly because you give me hope as well. Thank you again and Merry Christmas to you and all those at the Real News Network!

[@unkmonk1]

Aren't there already WAY too many gay priests? What's the attraction?

[@thalgott3]

@@unkmonk1 Gay and pedophile are not the same thing, chief.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Another cruelty of the Catholic church is its treatment of divorced people. The annulment process is vicious.

[@Hoppenoffer]

Silence against atrocity and injustice is complicity. Oh my… most of the middle class people I know are going to hell.

[@michaelgnit8476]

It is interesting as an Atheist I still find Chris's posts compelling and philosophical in that no institution is beyond criticism if that criticism is warranted. He is always clear and evidence based which is extremely important in todays world.

[@joeanthony7759]

Me too. Contrary to popular belief, atheists are not miserable god-hating ghouls. I can’t hate something I don’t think exists. And I have no qualms with anyone who has a faith as long as they’re not hurting anyone or imposing their beliefs on others.

[@michaelgnit8476]

@@joeanthony7759 Thanks for the company.

[@AlexandruSD]

In my eyes, Chris is first and foremost a Humanist, a brave man who fights for truth and justice. That's all that really matters, how we treat our fellow humans. If his faith gives him extra strength and courage, then good for him. If all religious people were like that, I couldn't care less what they believe.

[@michaelgnit8476]

@@AlexandruSD Agree wholeheartedly.

[@traviscutler9912]

WOW. A true Christian in the sense of the real teachings of Jesus. Self sacrifice for others is extremely noble. This is what a hero looks like.

[@SCplayer1000]

“The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world that he did not exist.” To achieve this what better place could he have to hide but the Chair of Saint Peter in the Vatican.

[@joeanthony7759]

Yes, a popular anecdote….the devil exists alright- but only in human’s minds.

[@Juan-ud3if]

Keep the truth alive and kicking butt.❤❤❤❤❤

[@pauladams1829]

I'm critical of all organised religions because so often those claiming to champion humility, mercy, wisdom, truth and justice etc are prideful, cruel, blinked, lying crooks. Those that do try to live up to those ideals get my whole hearted admiration.

[@johngillon6969]

In 1967 the Arch Bishop of Santa Fe N.M. decreed that any one who patronized Don Pancho Theater. (showed art films). would be EXCOMMUNICATED . I remember watching the classic film A Man and a Woman. It was exciting to become an x catholic. I was surprised that after the movie i had a feeling of being extremely relaxed. I had thought i would feel guilty. Later, joined the navy on my 18th birthday, then while in the navy on liberty in Olongapo city R.P.I. while attending mass with a family of filipinos I realized the catholic church was simply a world wide crime organization. And became free of most of that famous old "Catholic Guilt". Just sayin.

[@BobJohnson648]

I looked him up...he was born in 1938. That would make him 84 today. When was this interview done? The man looks pretty good for his age

[@christinepark1398]

I saw him once 40? 45? years ago and he's aged maybe 5 years since then.

[@BobJohnson648]

@@christinepark1398 maybe his faith is keeping him young.

[@hippieswereright]

Beautiful interview. Amazing life, thank you, gentlemen.

[@strezztechnoid]

As liberation theologians and apologists represent the best of religious practices, fails to counter the damage done by contemporary evangelical hypocrites that are the worst of apologists. Irrespective of your world view; birthed to atheistic rationalism, my own philosophical underpinnings lead me to a theory of harm reduction. In the fullness of a open-eyed examination of our lives on this small planet, it is obvious that there are many paths to our own better angels. Though I disagree with Roy's umbrella, the church, his deeds need no cover from a steeple. I can applaud Roy's actions while at the same time condemning the institution his practice falls under. It seems ironic that he was dismissed by organization that does not believe in its own cause.

[@caseytithof]

Thank you. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@aptorres01]

Great work, thank you.

[@murphy8449]

Chris - Thank you for bringing us this beautiful story. Thank you Fr. Bourgeois for all you have done for humanity and religious thought.

[@Jibbolino]

Thank you Chris for a very informative discussion and report. You never fail to touch on important societal issues that need to be constantly addressed. Happy to see that you found this space on TRNN for your report.

[@RH-jb2oy]

The love that Jesus shows us is too radical to be contained by any human organization. It is personal.

[@jackbottomly4420]

Roy and Chris or Chris and Roy, however you put it, are an AMAZING combination . I feel that God would be very impressed . This is Historic, and Wonderful ! !

[@marlenesoifer7219]

I should not have been expelled anyway I brought happiness 😊

[@donkeypoison]

It is so great to see that there are still such old school and so serious journalists like Chris doing such great work. Thank you.

[@richfaltisco3226]

As an ex-catholic and since May 1979, a born of the Spirit, true believer having labored as a missionary, counselor, and evangelist having seen many mighty miracles of God around the world, and now seeing many university students come to the Lord here in Vietnam - pronounced Viet N-ah-m, its heartbreaking how either of these men understand the Word of God so poorly. As the Word says, God watches over His Word to perform it. In 1 Tim 4 Paul writes of a falling away from the faith where men would be forbidden to marry. U can study the Word to see the reasons why Paul wrote that women are not allowed to teach in the congregation. Hedges has mocked Genesis concerning the initiation of light. Does he not know the end of the book of Revelation? When i was in Uganda God did so many miracles that the Muslim owner of the hotel i stayed in, ran to me as i was leaving his area, and begged to receive Jesus! As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "i did not come to you with clever words of men, but in demonstration of power and the Spirit, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." And, yes, we also had a Christmas food distribution here last night. Trust the Lord. His Word is Truth.

[@cargotrailerkenny]

another great show Chris. thank you

[@wesstubbs3472]

Never, ever expect anything for doing the right thing except to be attacked.

[@63saruman]

I am a Roman Catholic, but no human can't prevent me from getting the communion (not that I take it very frequently).

[@bluemarlin9110]

Hegemon law, corollary to espionage law: When there is injustice, silence is golden"

[@VicTicklish]

These ideologies we learn at a young age are difficult to break. Growing up Catholic I know this. I’m no longer a believer in religion. This belief of balance in our world of good and evil is what I believe has always been.

[@pinktights747]

Remember our love of God comes from inside of us, not from indoctrination from a man made ideology. I've been to both Catholic and Protestant churches. It's all the same. Others may disagree but that's my opinion.

[@coming2getu64]

They need to be tried too, just like the Nazi's

[@marcjohnson7515]

Interview went by in the blink of the eye. Not long nuff!!!

[@ince55ant]

Wouldnt want to emulate Christ's opposition to the Roman Empire...

[@janelliot5643]

It's Christ's respect for women that has the churchy padres shaking in their boots

[@ince55ant]

@@janelliot5643 anything that disrupts entrenched power...

[@attackofthewindmills]

I want to hear this.

[@ricardoeid827]

gracias, padre Roy, desde Cochabamba, Bolivia

[@joelquaintance9025]

Although I don't agree with some of the beliefs that both of share, I very much appreciate & respect both of you as men real love & integrity. Thanks for the interview; it was really good.

[@francesbernard2445]

How can we in North America practise true Christian solidarity among ourselves when our governments are often demanding that double standards be applied to any kind of faith institution while they are oppressing any public expression of faith including being single while wearing of a habit or a clerical collar too? Instead we are all often being told that we should all be satisfied with only maybe getting to wear a kit or maybe a turban or a Shaman ethnic costume too making people around us wonder if we are already angels in the flesh instead of being only human too.

[@marius964]

So, to follow this guy's logic, I live in England where the rule is to drive on the left-hand side. But I want to drive on the right and if they take my driving license away I cry fowl and feel my basic human rights have been abused.......

[@caroldavies5832]

Be Truthful with our conversations! Saves Nations!! WWG1WGA All or None We Are One!! Remember One mind One Breath One Heart One Soul As we journey back to God Back Home We’re we Belong! Creating our own Paradise with Mother Earth We see you have grown Live share Learn Thrive Grow! Sacred lives Healed No one is left behind WWG1WGA

[@SwirlingDervish536]

Two beautiful men.🌟 ☮︎

[@edjuillard4054]

Thank You So Much For This. He is a very amazing and inspirational person and spot on about Women's Ordination.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Well said!

[@brucegibbins3792]

I would like to mention;The Plowshares movement, an anti-nuclear weapons and Christian pacifist movement that advocates active resistance to war. The group often practices a form of protest that involves the damaging of weapons and military property.

[@johnchornyTheOnly]

In my books He's alright and welcome; Church bureaucrat wisdom is not.

[@bmanagement4657]

I got kicked out of Mennonite church for popping a paper bag during mass.

[@Dani68ABminus]

Wonderful guest! Thanks to both of you!

[@wuhaninstituteofvirology]

he's a saint (he will be posthumously canonized one day, after the catholic church gets reformed)

[@johnkayoss5422]

How can you reform an institution which has been corrupt since its founding in 325 CE, almost 1700 years ago?

[@theredboneking]

The Bible specifically says not to have Religious Teachers for a good reason. Matthew 23:8-12 - 8 “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. 9 And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. 10 And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Ecclesiastes 7:20- For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Romans 3:23- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

[@onejohn2.26]

Read Ecclesiastics 20 in context. It falls under 7:15, which states: " In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these:" This is what he has seen; it's his opinion. Because. Luke 1:6 contradicts him: "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless". Paul, is a self -admitted liar, so, don't go there.

[@nicoledickens2366]

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

[@onemanmob6756]

What an amazing human being!

[@everythingiseverything6328]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🕷✊🏾

[@jamesmullins6681]

Happy for you that you finally had your Come to Jesus Moment. Sorry it took most of your adult life, but better late than never. I'm 66 yrs. old and went to 8 yrs. of Catholic grade school. Thankfully, not a physically abusive experience, but certainly psychologically challenging as a child. Still, it didn't take me very long to see the hypocrisy at every level and the very un-Christian manner in which these Franciscans lived. As for the Catholic Church going the way of the dinosaur, good riddance.

[@russianweeb]

f̷̩̜͚̤͇͔̿̋̓̐͜͝͝e̷̞͍̲̜̔̃́͝e̷̠̭͎̽̂̾̕d̷̛͈͊͌̌̊̔̏̊͂̔̚̚â̵̬̰͍̾̉ĺ̸̞͌̐͐̉̑̐̓͒̎̊̈͘͝g̸͌͋õ̴̡̯̥͔͓̙̪͓̫͓̞̞̣̜͓̅̀̑̉̒̋̇̄̐̋͝r̸̔̆̍į̶̨͓̗͚͚̳͉͕͚̝̪̳͍̲͌̈̊͗͛̎͌̌͒̏̒͋͘͝t̶̨̘͕̂̽̀̉͐̈́̎͌̌̿́̆̿h̴̡̥̺̤̳̘̳̜͈̝̤̱̾̐̽m̷͉͊̾̊̽̅́͋͋̍̂̋́̚̕͘

[@johnstevens9673]

If you only have a 6 to 8 month sentence you dont go to prison you go to the local jail. I know it makes his struggle sound better but I think this is a common misconception but there is a HUGE difference between the two.

[@amindra963]

"Sacred Upanishads have all the answers" Arthur Schopenhauer Ex- Roman Catholic well versed in the Gospels.

[@redlipstickmafia]

The fact that this amazing brave and principled man was accused of "bringing shame to the Catholic Church" for his support of women in the priesthood is infuriating. What the Vatican really needs to do is end the celibacy requirement for priests; the only reason the celibacy requirement exists is because kings (& maybe popes) didn't want to risk the chance that priests would try to pass church property down to their children. But if priests had the chance to have normal healthy marriages and families, the priesthood would be less likely to attract all the sickos who end up abusing little children. Seems like a no brainer, but power structures in general do not like change, and the Catholic Church is a major power structure.