Illinois bishop compares Obama’s actions to Hitler, Stalin; diocese cites historical

[toomuchtime_]

An Illinois Roman Catholic diocese whose bishop compared President Barack Obama’s health care policies to actions taken by Adolf Hitler said Thursday that the comments, which prompted outside demands for an apology and investigation, were “historical context” in an ongoing debate over religious liberty.

Peoria Bishop Daniel Jenky said during a Sunday homily at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria that Obama is following previous governments that “tried to force Christians to huddle and hide only within the confines of their churches.”

“Hitler and Stalin, at their better moments, would just barely tolerate some churches remaining open, but would not tolerate any competition with the state in education, social services and health care,” the (Peoria) Journal Star and Chicago Tribune quoted Jenky as saying during the homily. “In clear violation of our First Amendment rights, Barack Obama — with his radical, pro-abortion and extreme secularist agenda — now seems intent on following a similar path.”

Diocese Chancellor Patricia Gibson told local media that Jenky “offered historical context and comparisons as a means to prevent a repetition of historical attacks upon the Catholic Church and other religions.”

“We have currently not reached the same level of persecution,” Gibson said. “But Bishop Jenky would say that history teaches us to be cautious. ... (He) is concerned that our government is truly treading on one of our most dear freedoms, which is religious freedom.”

Illinois bishop compares Obama’s actions to Hitler, Stalin; diocese cites historical context - The Washington Post

 

[Mr. H.]

That answeres the age old question "will it play in Peoria?"