Disappointed in the Knights of Columbus

Earlier this week, I read on the Curt Jester website about the fact that the Massachusetts State Council attempted to basically throw out pro-abortion, pro-gay politicians who are members.

From Catholic News World

The leadership of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) has forbidden local councils to take any action against members of the Catholic fraternal organization who support legalized abortion or same-sex marriage. A Massachusetts K of C member had proposed a resolution, to be taken up by the group’s state convention, calling for the suspension of membership of any politician who gave public support to abortion and same-sex marriage. That resolution was declared inappropriate by the Supreme Advocate of the K of C, John Marrella.

In a letter to the Massachusetts K of C leadership, Marrella declared that “a subordinate council may not impose fraternal discipline with respect to a public figure’s official actions on matters pertaining to faith and morals. Rather, any such discipline must be made by or at the direction of the Supreme Board of Directors.”

“We recognize that some of our members who are public figures may use their public position to advocate or support policy positions that are contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals,” Marrella conceded in his letter. He went on to admit that such public advocacy “contradicts the Catholic identity and mission of the Order.”
Nevertheless, the top legal official of the K of C said that any action taken against K of C members who are public figures would “necessarily affect the entire Order.” For that reason, he said, any disciplinary action should be taken by the group’s top leadership.

Marrella went on to say that the K of C would not go further than the American bishops in taking public action against members whose public stands conflict with Church moral teachings. “If the public figure’s bishop has not excommunicated him for his public positions on issues relating to matters of faith and morals, it would be highly inappropriate for the Knights of Columbus to do so,” he wrote.

So, I asked a good friend of mine what should be done. He advocated the following for his brother knights:

1. Write to the Supreme Knight (and the State Council) and protest this decision.
2. In the letter explain that you are unhappy with this but will look for a change in policy soon. Yes, you can understand their position that what one Council or State Council does, affects all others. However, just because the bishops are not willing to take a strong stance about this, does not mean that a private Catholic organization cannot do so.
3. If there is no change in policy, you will drop your membership when it comes time for renewal.
4. Then do it.

Personally, I think that they should throw out Bishops who are not willing to stand tall...but that is just me.

What do you think?