Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Polar-izing Vortex



The Gay Priest Party*

Michael Voris has a new video...  His delivery gets a little heated, almost as if he is lashing out at the 'church of nice' instead of doing a report.  I think he may be referring to some Catholic bloggers he's been at war with.  Evidently something is wrong - in his estimation - with popular apologetic bloggers and an online priest or two.  I haven't followed that discussion.

The current video focuses on what is billed as a true story, first by Voris in his news report, and then concerned bloggers who picked up the story.  The report goes like this:  Supposedly an anonymous priest went to the diocesan Christmas party for priests, was soon disgusted by the priests who introduced him to their boyfriends - evidently the invited priests could bring a guest.  Not long afterwards, the priest approached a chancery official announcing that he never wanted to be invited again because of the gay priests and their boyfriends - who had evidently flaunted the boyfriends right in front of the bishop.  The chancery official told him to keep his mouth shut.  All of this took place in an unnamed - albeit notorious diocese somewhere in the United States.

Could it be true?  Yes.

So what's wrong with the story then?

It's unsubstantiated hearsay and rumor.  It fuels people's imaginations, it causes suspicion and incites unhealthy curiosity and speculation, leading to rash judgement and gossip.  If we do not know who, what, and where, how can a story like this be substantiated?  What good is accomplished?  What if the priest is a disgruntled, marginalized, unpopular cleric in his diocese and just wants to get revenge?  How does he know the other priests are gay?  And if they happen to be gay, how does he know they are sexually active or promoting homosexuality?  How does he know the men with these priests were their boyfriends?  Did they introduce them as such?  Were they carrying their rent-a-boy receipt book?

Without documentation, without proof, it's just gossip.  It is divisive.  It is contentious.  And it is why much of this online hysteria is never taken seriously.

Voris is a good man, no doubt about it.  The problem of 'gay' in the Church has much less to do with clergy than it does with Catholic education.  Anyone who has been educated in major Catholic universities and high schools in the last few decades must be aware that educators have been profoundly influenced by gay studies and politics, as well as organizations such as New Ways Ministry.  Though the catechism and the CDF says one thing, educators teach another.  Though New Ways and Dignity is banned, teachers who are in agreement with their 'doctrine' teach in our schools, work in chanceries, as well as parishes.  I keep saying this, but everyone acts as if there is some clandestine underground of gay priests plotting the over throw of Catholicism.  It's right in front of your faces - and you've been paying for it.  Don't believe me?  Look at this curriculum posted on Fr. Z's post "Catholic" it means whatever you want.  Now that's documentation. [Likewise, Motley Monk speaks to that issue here.]


*A well written response to the video can be found here.

Photo: The priests in the photo are not gay nor were they at the party Voris reports on.  It's an old photo of priests fooling around at a wedding reception.

26 comments:

  1. "Voris is a good man, no doubt about it."

    I haven't seen any evidence of that. You shall know them by their fruits.

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    1. I have to agree with you, Thom. I find Voris to be a very dangerous man.

      I'm actually doing a post about this one as well. I thought it was one of the worst Vortex episodes ever, designed purely to turn Catholics against the hierarchy in the church and accomplishes no good whatsoever. As you say Terry, we don't even know if this is true. It is all innuendo and hearsay. It would never stand up in court. And why is a priest going to Voris to tell him about this?

      Horrible.

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    2. Great post Terry & I agree with Catholic in Brooklyn..

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  2. Labels: Catholic TMZ, Who Am I To Judge?, How Did I Know Thom Would Chime In First?, The Party Was Probably During Advent - They Should Have Been Doing Penance, We Should Stop Using the Word Gay, If There's War Between the Catholics They're Been No Bloggers Left

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    1. Haha! You keep a record of all my labels and then some. Thanks for the chuckle.

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    2. Thank you for pointing out how ridiculous this gossip is.

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  3. an interesting take on it all, thanks Terry

    Brooklyn take a chill pill for crying out loud

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    1. I have seen too much destruction from people like Voris. Judging and condemning Church hierarchy and causing dissension is not something to be taking lightly. I'll be posting soon. Take a look at my reply there.

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    2. to be honest that just sounds like more gossiping which Michael might be guilty of, but further gossip about intentions is just as insane

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    3. Brooklyn, will you be bending the truth again like in your last posting? Can't wait...

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    4. I do hope you will point out the ways in which I bend the truth in the combox of my post instead of just making general accusations such as this.

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    5. Catholic in Brooklyn doesn't bend the truth, she tells the truth - in charity.

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  4. Whatever happened to blacksheepdog?

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  5. Terry...why, why do you "make me" (much like that priest was MADE to go to the Homo for the Holidays Priest Party) watch those goofy Vortex videos. THIS one took Voris hysterics to a new level..he outdid his usual theatrics and hilariously so that I have to tell Catholic in Brooklyn...don't worry, as no one takes him seriously (right??)

    Anyway, this one was so funny (for some one so worried about homos, Voris does a lot of hysterical pearl clutching) that I am convinced he is a performance artist. I love the production and the sound effects but was really disappointed when he dramatically said, "noxious fumes of HELL" that we didnt get a graphic of at least someone holding their nose.

    Seriously the sad thing is this guy comes off rather pathetically that it scares me to think anyone takes him seriously. Voris seems to be trying to get hits and attention in the cheapest way, fanning the flames of the whole "Gay Priest..i.e. child molester" flames to his audience hungry for fire and brimstone and expose of those whole gays...(not backed up by facts or names or well anything..)

    He is the Samuel Parris of today's Catholic Church instead of witches they are going after gay priests and ANYONE (well those that you don't agree with) could be one! And if they don't care about their souls they dont care about yours so your being dragged down into those noxious fumes with them!

    And finally, the gayest thing I saw in that video was Voris hair do...contrast his dour self righteous hysterics with the cute priest in the picture above, not only does he look cute he looks like he is a lot of fun and funny, with a flair for fashion (LOVE the red sweater) looks like he can dance and his hair is perfect.. Wow Voris would scream gay at him I am sure!

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    1. Sadly, some people do take Voris very seriously, and he causes great harm. See this post:

      http://veneremurcernui.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/voris-with-an-explosive-video-on-homosexual-clergy/

      and especially look at the comments and the speculation.

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    2. Yea, that is scary. That blogger throws around some more gossip as if it is fact, without naming names of course, but adding fuel to the fire. What really annoys me is that she references Pope Francis in relation to Pope Benedict, as if Francis ignores the sex scandal and celibacy issue. Now Benedict style wasnt to my liking, but I did not cast doubt on his faith or his intentions. They both are saying the same thing but in different ways but people are so quick to cast Francis in a bad light. These people are ready to demonize and hang anyone they don't agree with. It truly could turn into a witch hunt and yea, Voris and his ilk really do fan the flames.

      I think my big problem with him is..if he is so concerned about the state of the clergy and the faith, why didn't he become a priest? And why do people take his word for everything as if he is some kind of spiritual leader and not just another Catholic schmo with an opinion (and you know what they say about opinions) like you and me. How is an expert on anything, more then anyone else?

      The real problem is that this doesn't solve any problems, it just creates more (and more hits to his website and videos) To follow up on his theme of a "masculine and vigorous warrior of Christ," men solve problems and fix things, they don't go around spreading gossip like an old hen.

      I didn't look at the com box but I can imagine what it says.

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    3. My feelings exactly. People listen to Voris and accept everything he says as gospel truth and never to be questioned. Yet without hesitation they will castigate the bishops and the Pope.

      I use to be a big fan of Voris, very much a part of that world, so I know what it is about. Very, very scary.

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  6. @Mack, I think your comment about Voris not solving any problems but just creating more is so true. I understand fraternal correction very well, but where is the love, gentleness, or humility in his voice? What he is saying is important from a morality aspect, but it is how he's saying it: in such an arrogant, patronizing, and condescending manner. I used to like him, but lately he acts like he's on a pedestal and everyone else is beneath him. Let us pray for him.

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  7. People who give occasion to scandal, gossip, and smear tactics, all in the name of God, are in need of much prayer. I know since I have been on both sides of the fence and have seen many hurt by such tactics.

    Good priests' reputations ruined on unfounded gossip is a serious offence.

    Mr. Voracious does not need anymore "free press."

    And I support Catholic in Brooklyn too. Her posts are always difficult to read, but she is sincere and honest and loves the Church like many of us do. Her credibility is solid compared to that of Mr. Voracious.

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  8. "I understand fraternal correction very well, but where is the love, gentleness, or humility in his voice?"

    Not everyone has to sound like most of the castrated males in society (and especially in the Church). The Church has become a testosterone free zone. Sometimes real men SHOULD be angry at what has transpired in the Church regarding the homosexual infestation among the ranks of the priests. Anyone who denies this is simply delusional. Perhaps it's the result of a Catholic educational system dominated by feminists and the effeminate.

    Good Lord, some of you would have blogged against St. Jerome.

    P.S. The author of this blog displays his naivete with his comment that the priest who rebuffed by his Chancery had other avenues than Michael Voris (whose bog I don't even read). Try it sometime.

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  9. Sadly Sean you misunderstand Catholic teaching. It's not about testosterone & who has the most of it but about humility: “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29).

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  10. Voris like all of us might be best explaining how God's grace brought him back to the Catholic Church & how he deals with his personal weaknesses & sins rather than harping on about someone elses!

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  11. I think "Catholic In Brooklyn" in her, I must say excellently written blog (if only I could be as literate and thoughtful in my writing as both of them) writes very well about this particular subject when she talks about how Cardinal Newman exhorts us to use a "sword," but its our responsible to turn it inward and fight our own demons.

    I dont know Sean's age but he seems to be a bit younger and fall into the same trap Voris does as paint anyone with a different style as "castrated," and GASP "effeminate," Your idea of masculinity, like Voris seems to be skewed (Note to Voris, taking pictures holding a cardboard sword in hand does not make you tough.)

    When you mature in years and outlook a man begins to understand that he needs to be a leader, and a leader does not fall into hysterics and gossip..he finds solutions and implements them. You stand your ground, lead by example and talk to the person or persons you have a disagreement with "to their face."

    The abuse scandal S hysteric worthy, but a lot of things are in life. A man keeps calm and keeps everyone around them calm to get to the truth. Screaming and yelling and causing hysterics is the opposite of mature masculinity, and I would guess Voris is around my age so he should know that by now.But screaming and yelling and causing hysterics in other people is the opposite of masculinity..it makes one act like one of those "Real Housewives...." But then hysterics gets people talking (like us) and has people hitting your website and brings attention to you.

    I would have suggested to this priest to have voiced his feelings about the party to the group attending, and then leave. Then he can go up the latter and follow procedure. If that doesn't work bad on the Chancery. He still is his moral high road.

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  12. I prefer the old Wander method of the past with Frank Morriss laying out every gory detail, but Michael Voris is not a bad change.

    And someone needs to be something other than a cheerleader as all the other professional Catholics have become.

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  13. Honestly, after seeing the video, all I could do was yawn. Is this really new? My father was a police officer, and he told me how scandalized he was to see so many local Catholic priests doing scandalous things in gay bars in the 70s and 80s. They had no shame, he said, and it helped make him ashamed to be a Catholic.

    He's a Baptist now.

    We can cover our eyes, or we can face this.

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