Catholic leaders criticize FBI for unjustly targeting Catholics, while bureau defends investigation
Catholic Leaders Slam FBI for Targeting Catholics as Potential Domestic Terrorists
Catholic leaders expressed outrage on Tuesday after it was revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had interviewed a priest and a choir director as part of an investigation into so-called Radical-Traditional Catholics. The House Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government launched an investigation into the FBI earlier this year after a whistleblower leaked an internal memo from the bureau’s Richmond Field Office, which portrayed certain “radical-traditionalist Catholics” as violent extremists.
“The latest revelations only raise more questions about the illegitimate targeting of Catholics by the FBI,” said CatholicVote President Brian Burch. “We now know that the FBI effort involved at least four field offices, authorized the use of undercover agents to infiltrate Catholic parishes, and used a Catholic priest and a choir director to inform on one of their parishioners.”
The whistleblower disclosures in the report revealed that the FBI interviewed a priest and choir director of The Society of Saint Pius (SSPX) in Richmond, Virginia. Although the contents of the interviews were not disclosed, the committee noted that the FBI had communicated with Catholic clergy and staff about parishioners practicing their faith around the same time the memo was being drafted.
During a hearing on Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray defended the interviews, stating that they were part of an investigation into an individual who posed a threat. The FBI also clarified that the interviews were not conducted with the intention of targeting Catholics as a whole.
The report also revealed that the memo circulated to multiple field offices across the country, contradicting previous testimony from FBI Director Wray. The findings of the report further indicated that the FBI labeled Americans who are pro-life, pro-family, and those who reject radical gender theory teachings as potential domestic extremists.
“This is a major wake-up call to all Americans who care about basic civil liberties,” said Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow at the Catholic Association. “While Catholic Churches and pro-life pregnancy care centers are under constant attack from actual violent extremists, the FBI had the audacity to investigate and spy on those targeted by these crimes.”
Following the leak of the memo, the FBI took immediate action to remove it from their system and conducted an internal review. The bureau stated that there was no malicious intent to target Catholics or any other religious faith.
These revelations have sparked widespread concern and demand for answers regarding the FBI’s actions and accountability.
What actions are Catholic organizations and activists taking to address the issue of religious profiling and promote dialogue with law enforcement
Parishes and organizations, and conducted interviews with clergy members. This intrusive and discriminatory behavior is deeply troubling and goes against the principles of religious freedom and tolerance that our country was founded upon.”
The investigation into Radical-Traditional Catholics began in 2019, following the arrest of Christendom College student David K. Groenewold on firearms charges. The leaked memo from the Richmond Field Office purportedly claimed that Groenewold’s involvement in a radical Catholic group was evidence of a larger network of potential domestic terrorists within the Church.
Since the memo’s release, Catholic leaders have vehemently denied any connection between radicalism and traditional Catholic practices. They argue that the FBI’s focus on individuals who adhere to traditional values and practices within the Catholic Church is an attack on religious freedom and an inappropriate use of government resources.
“Traditional Catholicism is a legitimate and well-established branch of our faith,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York. “To cast suspicion on all traditional Catholics based on the actions of a few is not only unjust, but also a violation of our constitutional rights.”
The targeting of Catholics by the FBI also raises concerns about the broader issue of religious profiling in law enforcement. Critics argue that this incident is just one example of a larger pattern of targeting particular religious groups as potential threats, based on unfounded stereotypes and biases.
“Religious profiling is a dangerous and ineffective approach to counterterrorism,” said John Ladd, Executive Director of the Catholic Civil Rights League. “By focusing on religious affiliation rather than specific behaviors or actions, law enforcement agencies waste valuable resources and overlook genuine threats.”
Catholic leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the FBI and demanding accountability for any violations of individuals’ rights. They argue that all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, deserve to be treated with fairness and respect by law enforcement agencies.
In addition, Catholic organizations and activists are working to raise awareness about the issue of religious profiling and to promote dialogue and understanding between law enforcement and religious communities.
“We must reject religious discrimination in all its forms,” said Father James Martin, S.J., a prominent Catholic advocate. “Catholics, like followers of any other faith, should be allowed to practice their religion without fear of being targeted or unfairly labeled.”
The controversy surrounding the FBI’s targeting of Catholics highlights the need for a careful examination of how law enforcement agencies approach counterterrorism efforts. It is essential that investigations are conducted based on evidence and specific behavior rather than on religious affiliation or ideological beliefs.
Religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be protected for all individuals, and any encroachment on this right jeopardizes the principles upon which our nation was built. By addressing the issue of religious profiling and promoting dialogue between law enforcement and religious communities, we can ensure that religious freedom remains a cornerstone of our society.
As the investigation into the FBI’s conduct unfolds, it is imperative that Catholic leaders and advocates continue to voice their concerns and fight for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith freely and without unwarranted scrutiny. Only through open dialogue and respect for all religious beliefs can we build a society that truly upholds the principles of liberty and justice for all.
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