Hagee apologizes to Catholics

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - John Hagee, an influential Texas televangelist who endorsed John McCain, apologized to Catholics Tuesday for his stinging criticism of the Roman Catholic Church and for having "emphasized the darkest chapters in the history of Catholic and Protestant relations with the Jews."
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In a letter to William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, Hagee wrote: "Out of a desire to advance a greater unity among Catholics and evangelicals in promoting the common good, I want to express my deep regret for any comments that Catholics have found hurtful."

Donohue, one of Hagee's sharpest critics, said he accepted the apology and planned to meet with Hagee Thursday in New York.

"I got what I wanted," Donohue said in an interview. "He's seen the light, as they like to say. So for me it's over."
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"In my zeal to oppose anti-Semitism and bigotry in all its ugly forms, I have often emphasized the darkest chapters in the history of Catholics and Protestant relations with the Jews," Hagee wrote. "In the process, I may have contributed to the mistaken impression that the anti-Jewish violence of the Crusades and the Inquisition defines the Catholic Church. It most certainly does not."

I applaud Hagee's apology. You can read the entite article here.

5 comments:

  1. Yeah. Right. I'm sure it was "sincere". Forgive me for being cynical. I forgive Hagee, of course. But, I think this apology was politically motivated.

    I wonder if he thinks all Catholics are going to hell.

    I'm glad the Catholic League accepted the apology and is willing to let it go. Only Hagee knows whether the apology is sincere or not.

    Peace,
    Brian

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  2. Hard to say Brian.. unlike Wright's reaction, Hagee's apology won't force McCain to react and distance himself from Hagee.. I thought that spoke well of Hagee.

    Anyway, maybe it will get the campaign back to the issues. So sad that these guys (Hagee and Wright) have to be involved so overtly in political campaigns.. makes us religious people look like nuts.

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  3. Yeah, Hagee did the right thing for McCain. That's for sure. But, a politically motivated apology, IMO is not better than being honest. So, I wouldn't necessarily say Hagee's response was better than Wright's.

    No matter what we may think of Wright, at least he doesn't play a political game. Preachers need to speak the truth, even if it gets them into political hot water. I gotta wonder if Hagee really saw the light concerning Catholics.

    I admire a man who sticks by his principles (oops, this could be taken to mean George Bush- LOL).

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  4. Good points Brian.. of course I think that Wright's media circus had nothing to do with truth but everything to do with Wright's ego.. of course who knows what goes on in the minds and motives of these "pastors".. I know I don't.

    Yeah, too bad Bush isn't running again.. can't believe I said that :)

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  5. This wonderful documentary shows a life of moral courage and sheds light on a piece of this issue.
    It is called Bonhoeffer.
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371583

    Signed,
    LTF

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