Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, made a simple statement that wound up creating an uproar among those who detest people of faith. Yet it inspired thousands to do as the cows in the Chick-fil-A commercials request—to eat more chicken! August 1 was a glorious day for hungry folks, people of faith, and commitment to work toward real equality for all Americans.
You see, I did not see any statement of support for Cathy’s statement from the leadership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. And yet during the same week the uproar took center stage, we learned that a personal invitation had been extended to President Barack Obama by Cardinal Timothy Dolan to attend the Al Smith dinner in October. It was reported on July 31 that Obama accepted the invitation. This is exceedingly troubling as it sends a mixed message to America. On the one hand, it is well known that Cardinal Dolan has led the fight to oppose the Obama contraceptive mandate. Furthermore, he led the effort to sue the Obama administration over the mandate, saying, “Time is running out, and our valuable ministries and fundamental rights hang in the balance, so we have to resort to the courts now.” On the other hand, we now learn that he has invited the most pro-abortion president in the nation’s history to join him at an annual Catholic Charities fundraising event.