Photo ~ Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Al Smith Dinner
August 14, 2012 | Timothy Cardinal Dolan

...the teaching of the Church, so radiant in the Second Vatican Council, is that the posture of the Church towards culture, society, and government is that of engagement and dialogue.

In other words, it’s better to invite than to ignore, more effective to talk together than to yell from a distance, more productive to open a door than to shut one.

Our recent popes have been examples of this principle, receiving dozens of leaders with whom on some points they have serious disagreements. Thus did our present Holy Father graciously receive our current President of the United States.

And, in the current climate, we bishops have maintained that we are open to dialogue with the administration to try and resolve our differences.

What message would I send if I refused to meet with the President?

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