Pro-gay
politicians barred from speaking at Phoenix Catholic
churches

Politicians who support causes such as abortion and gay rights have been barred from speaking at Roman Catholic churches in the Phoenix diocese. So far, Gov. Janet Napolitano has been the only one affected by the edict from Phoenix bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Napolitano was forbidden to speak last year at a Catholic church in Scottsdale at an event opposing Proposition 200, a ballot measure that restricted the rights of undocumented immigrants. The event was moved to another site.

In a letter to pastors in December, Olmsted said churches may not invite to speak any politician or other public figure who disagrees with basic church teaching on abortion, same-sex marriage, or other issues. An invitation "would provide them with a platform which would suggest support for their actions," Olmsted wrote.

Napolitano, a Methodist, said she was not aware of the ban but had heard about the letter. Napolitano spoke in June at the annual convention of the United Methodist Church's Desert Southwest Annual Conference. She challenged churches to help find foster homes for children, housing for the homeless, and jobs for ex-convicts, but abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and other hot-button issues were not mentioned.

Olmsted's decision followed a policy passed last year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Olmsted is among a number of Catholic bishops nationwide who have chosen to take a strict interpretation of the June 2004 statement titled "Catholics in Political Life." It condemns people who don't follow Catholic teaching but leaves decisions about public speaking and communion to individual bishops.

Other bishops have taken a softer approach. Bishop Gerald Kicanas said he has not established a blanket policy for the diocese of Tucson. In fact, Napolitano was allowed to speak in a Tucson Catholic church in April for the 15th anniversary of the Pima County Interfaith Council. Ron Johnson, lobbyist for Arizona's Catholic bishops, said it is rare for politicians of any kind to speak at Catholic churches. The Phoenix diocese even discouraged candidate forums during the 2004 campaign. (AP)