Monday, May 09, 2005

The Forced Resignation of Thomas Reese

The big news over the past several days was the forced resignation of Rev. Thomas Reese, editor of 'America' magazine. My e-mail in-box was flooded with a vast array of articles on this sad development, which was actually in the works for the past five years under the supervision of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.

My personal belief is that this is just the beginning of crackdowns by our new pontiff. If I had to guess, the Vatican will be going after the National Catholic Reporter and John Allen next. The only saving grace for NCR is that it is operated by the laity. (There is not much our pontiff can do, except threaten NCR editors with excommunication.)

My reaction is simply that we should not be fooled by the smiling face of Benedict XVI. There is perhaps wisdom in the old saying: "Beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing." Underneath the shining white robes of Benedict XVI is none other than Joseph Ratzinger the inquisitor.

Sadly, we will probably begin to see paranoia on the part of diocesan newspaper editors, whereby only the positions of the Vatican will be reflected in articles. It will be at that point when the church will be Roman Catholic in name, but communistic in structure. (Dictators are already in place.)

If there is any doubt that the Inquisition is alive and well, one needs to look no further than Benedict XVI. Let us pray for much needed intervention by the Holy Spirit.