The Orate Fratres

Contact: Mary Ann Kreitzer

Catholic Media Coalition

1216 Mill Road

Woodstock, Virginia 22664

(ph) 540-459-9493

email: kreitzr1@shentel.net

June 25, 2011 Members of the Catholic Media Coalition reacted with sorrow and anger over news of a demonstration outside the Berkeley Roman Catholic parish, St. Joseph the Worker that was orchestrated to greet Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Diocese of Oakland when he came to officiate at a June 2011 Confirmation Mass.

According to recent reports, this shameful action was, at least in some measure, organized to protest the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Reverend John Direen’s closing of a rectory conference room to the Berkeley Organizing Committee for Action (BOCA). BOCA is an affiliate of the Alinskyian organizing network PICO and, together with its sister organizations, is engaged in progressive, political activity.

For years, members of the Catholic Media Coalition have been researching and writing about Alinskyian organizing among religious institutions. The Alinskyian organizing networks have their roots in the dissenting Call to Action movement and foster liberation theology in their member congregations. The protesters in front of the parish have been trained in the tactics of protest and to claim as “rights” what have only been privileges.

We are grateful to the Bishop of Oakland and to the Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker for their stanch defense of the Faith.

Please be assured of our prayers and gratitude.

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