February 4, 2009 2:55 PM
Tripp on Michael Steele
I believe God has placed Michael Steele in this position of leadership. Because he is a black conservative Catholic he will be viciously attacked from all sides of the political spectrum.For those concerned that he might be a little "shaky" on prolife issues and for those supporting him, I suggest we pray for him and write him with our concerns. Current blogs and articles are colored on both sides by current political circumstances.
Personally, he is staunchly prolife and was instrumental in an intervention with American Bishops (which have been consistently prolife) to encourage them to be more so, (see portion quoted with link following.)
"In addition to the bishops, there were about 60 Catholic leaders and journalists present, including Peggy Noonan, Kate O'Beirne, Gene Zurlo, Frank Hanna, Bill Donohue, Pat Madrid, and Tom Hoopes. But one of the most memorable interventions was made by Michael Steele. When he rose to his feet, very few people knew who he was. The fact that he was Lt. Gov. of Maryland got everyone's attention, but the fact that he was an African-American Republican really raised some bishops' eyebrows, as I recall.
"Steele talked about being raised as a Catholic in Northeast Washington, DC and attending Archbishop Carroll H.S. before spending three years in the Order of St. Augustine Seminary before receiving his law degree at Georgetown University. Steele then proceeded to speak very directly, but diplomatically, to the bishops about their need to promote the pro-life cause with greater vigor. He talked about his disappointment with their leadership and its consequences among the African-American community. When he finished talking there was a powerful silence in the room. Bishop Gregory, as readers may know, is also an African-American, and Steele's words had a visible impact on him. ... in my opinion, Steele is a real pro-lifer and a real Catholic and would in no way exclude social conservatives from the "big tent" of the GOP."
See Giving Michael Steele the Benefit of a Doubt by Deal W. Hudson.Remember that this man was three years into seminary to become a priest when he felt God leading him into a life of civil service. Lord knows we need articulate courageous leaders to fight in the arena of public opinion and ideas against the ever increasing "hideous strength" that threatens our national character, culture, and spiritual heritage. I for one commit to pray for him daily.
My modest husband left this as a comment, but I thought everyone should read it. That has surely been the upside of what he has been through since September - lots of time to study and research. Next surgery scheduled 2/10 for a new knee - which is wonderful because the cement block they put in when they took out the first knee replacement is getting VERY uncomfortable.
Posted in Catholicism, Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
Tripp, I think you are right! I hope and pray so.
Posted by: Monica Rafie | February 4, 2009 3:41 PM
The link by an earlier commenter given to show his shakiness on pro-life issues seems quite the opposite to me. To take that strong of a stance against embryonic stem-cell research in these times takes guts.
Thank you, Tripp, for reminding us to pray for Michael Steele.
Posted by: Elissa | February 4, 2009 11:08 PM
Tripp, thank you so much for writing this piece. It's good to know more about Michael Steele, and I also will be saying prayers for him. May God save, protect, and enable him to be effective in leadership.
Posted by: Maura | February 5, 2009 1:03 AM
