Joe Naumann Speaks

Even though the story-line is a bit dated -- John Roberts' confirmation as the XVII Chief Justice of the United States is in the bank -- there's an especially noteworthy statement out there from one of my favored ones, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas.

Why does Rock like Naumann, you ask? Well, because he's a regular person -- he's preached before about showing up late at the Wendy's drive-thru, Seabiscuit and, on one occasion, he used a singing doll as a homiletic tool. We could use more guys like these out there because they actually have an effect on people's faith-lives. That's what priesthood -- well, good priesthood -- is all about, right?

And he's orthodox beyond reproach, to boot.

Here's Naumann on the role of faith in SCOTUS selection, from his archdiocesan paper, The Leaven

“My belief is that anyone who is fair-minded would see the government’s responsibility to protect human life,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Therefore, to me, it’s not a litmus test that you would want somebody on the court whose highest priority is [to recognize] the government’s responsibility in protecting life — and to not obstruct the Congress and state legislatures from doing this....”

“[The church] doesn’t lobby for individuals,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Our governmental process is clear. The president nominates members to the court and the Senate has the right to confirm them. For Catholics who care about this issue, this should be an overriding concern when they select someone for the presidency, the Senate, and lower offices.”

Keep an eye on this guy -- he's got the goods.

-30-