Stephen Schneck
@StephenSchneck
Followers
2K
Following
4K
Media
370
Statuses
10K
Catholic advocate for social justice in public life; Chair @USCIRF; retired @CUA political philosophy professor. Views expressed are my personal opinions.
Washington, DC
Joined September 2012
Pope Francis: Equally sacred are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection.
21
396
2K
I utterly concur. Having seen Trump’s mean crassness in clips from the dinner, it’s unfathomable why the Archdiocese would allow him a stage in this Catholic space: Cardinal Dolan's 'Al Smith dinner' disappointment is misdirected - @NCRonline
92
127
507
I’ve been engaged as a Catholic in national American public life and politics for decades, but I’ve never seen such a racist political ad. Shocking and evil. Our country is better than this. Where are the better angels?.
551
68
404
Children are dying at our border thanks to anti-immigrant policies driven by hate & racism — & our Catholic bishops can only shuffle their feet & mumble? Where is the Francis-like prophetic outrage & demand for merciful justice these families need to hear from their shepherds?.
Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Migration Statement in Response to Imminent Administration Deportation Plans .
39
88
238
American bishops need to step up and condemn Catholics (lay, vowed religious, and diocesan clergy) who have abetted and even encouraged insurrection and sedition. Some bishops moreover need to search their own souls.
7
25
229
Rumored to be a profound restating of Catholic social doctrine regarding our moral responsibilities in political, economic, and social life. In other words -- common good, solidarity, preference for the poor, universal destination of all goods. Hallelujah!
7
40
193
Christmas Mass with Fr John Enzler of Catholic Charities of Washington… Homily reminded the largely upscale congregation how cold it was and that the Holy Family was cold, homeless and became refugees. Bless this priest.
3
18
182
The disaster in Texas reveals a truth in Catholic social teachings. The common good is not the same as a system of market competition. Self-interest must be regulated toward the common good; invisible hands are not enough.
2
27
172
What a wonderful man, Mark Shields was! He was funny, kind, passionate, good-hearted, caring, savvy, committed to justice, hard-working, and a loyal friend to many, many. A great Catholic. Grant him eternal rest, Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him.
2
9
139
"As the pope instructs, November's vote is a matter of conscience. My conscience is clear."
51
25
106
Excited to report that I have accepted the position of executive director for Franciscan Action Network. I'm humbled to lend my voice to Franciscans across the globe who call us to hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Effective 1/6/2020.
9
6
125
USCCB: The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods.
1
18
116
The Vatican has made clear during the last iteration of right-wing Communion Wars that in statements such as these the former archbishop is not speaking with any authority. Sad to see the Diocese of Arlington allowing such inflammatory & polarizing remarks to be said.
"President Biden is not in communion with the Catholic faith. Any priest who provides him Communion is participating in his hypocrisy.". —Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput, OFM Cap. of Philadelphia in an address just now to a Eucharistic Symposium for the Diocese of Arlington.
57
12
102
Only half of American Catholics oppose the administration’s immoral migration policies. Praying for the conversion of the other half. UN human rights chief ‘deeply shocked’ by migrant detention center conditions in Texas.
6
27
104
Ahead of the release of Laudato Deum, shockingly low numbers of American Catholic support @pontifex on climate. Formation on this should be a priority for bishops. @GibsonWrites @MichaelSWinters @CatholicClimate
81
26
105
A red hat for +McElroy is wonderful for the church in the US. Brilliant, intellectual, terrific manager, and a caring pastor. He’s been a leader in the episcopal for the church’s social teaching and Pope Francis. N. B. no hat for +Gomez, much less +Cordileone, etc.
2
6
85
Archbishop Pierre has been the best nuncio Washington has ever had. Very pleased to see him get a red hat. Congratulations Cardinal-to-be Pierre!.
Archbishop Pierre -- who is responsible for naming bishops in the US church -- tells me he is "astonished and grateful" by the pope's decision to name him a cardinal.
7
5
86
In case anyone forgot, +Chaput loudly defended William Barr in September, amid the AG's rush to restart of federal executions. Now Barr is hurrying through as many executions as he can before the Biden administration puts a stop to the death penalty.
Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput writes that Joe Biden “is not in full communion with the Catholic Church.”.
13
14
80
Nigeria must be held accountable for its inability to protect religious freedom. BREAKING: Catholic Priest Burned to Death in Nigeria| National Catholic Register
7
30
84
Why is the message of Pope Francis not really reaching American Catholics in the pews? Are bishops doing enough or even limiting it? Is it American polarization? Is something structural in American Catholic culture that squeezes out Francis while validating anti-Francis messages?.
24
13
82
Hi, friends and followers! I’m logging off Twitter for a few weeks to celebrate my upcoming wedding and honeymoon with the beautiful Suzanne. Catholic Twitter, please save your snarkiest and most droll tweets until then.
18
0
76
With Arroyo’s infomercial for Trump’s campaign, EWTN has sold whatever legitimacy it had for being either Catholic or legitimate news. Utterly shocking partisanship. Faithful Catholics and real journalists should leave to save their integrity. @EWTN @gloria_purvis @RaymondArroyo.
4
21
73
Saddened to learn of the death of @RichardTrumka. I worked with him & his office, trying to reconcile the American Catholic Church and America’s labor unions. A wonderful, caring man, committed to justice and the welfare of American workers. May angels welcome him into paradise.
1
15
70
Respect for America’s working class (white & otherwise) comes not from orange billionaires, but from rebuilding our grandfathers’ unions.
11
12
59
Good works? Barr personally restarted the federal death penalty. Willingly supported the separation of children from parents at the border. Directed the attack on protesters to give Trump a photo op with a Bible. The National CATHOLIC Prayer Breakfast need to change its name.
6
29
68
Just back from the DC protests by St John’s and Layfayette Park. There’s a great feeling of solidarity and empowerment in the air. Thousands of people. Babies to seniors like me. Chants for justice, but an amazing peacefulness too.
4
7
64
For those Catholics truly concerned about morality and evil and the value of life. .
BREAKING: Lawyers say they can't find the parents of 545 migrant children separated by the Trump administration. With @JuliaEAinsley.
2
17
57
Friends, since US Catholic has unpublished my argument that Trump cannot get the Catholic Church’s endorsement, would another Catholic publication be willing to post it? Rusty, how about @firstthingsmag? I’m serious. There’s a principle here that transcends politics.
7
19
68
In the spirit of St. Francis, Franciscan Action Network (@franciscannet) vows to serve water on Georgia voter lines. “For I was thirsty and you gave me to drink.” Matt. 25 @archatl @GovKemp.
0
15
60
Trump with a Bible — What a vile and despicable photo op.
6
7
62
Among the most interesting things I've done since leaving the professoriat is to serve as a consultant for an upcoming A&E and @History Channel series on the life of Jesus, with the famous @JamesMartinSJ, and many others. #JesusHisLife, begins airing March 25th. Watch for it.
0
7
59
@JamesMartinSJ I’m shocked, shocked. No. Actually, I’m gutted and despairing. Really makes even me wonder where I belong. Not feeling at home in the Church in the United States today.
13
3
50
Bishop Robert McElroy’s @DioceseSanDiego profound moral rebuke of Trump’s executive action against Muslim refugees:
10
51
50
Whoa!! Nuns on the Bus — going will end with a protest at MAR A LAGO! Love, love, love this! Yay @sr_simone!
1
19
47
Remember immigrant children separated at the border from their families on this Feast of the Holy Family.
0
8
49
Thank you, @HeidiSchlumpf & @NCRonline! Proud that we have a truly independent, lay run, and authentically Catholic publication. Gratified for NCR’s support throughout this troubling incident.
We will be republishing the two essays removed from U.S. Catholic's site on today. Stay tuned.
0
10
47
Pope Francis in neonatal ward of hospital in Rome. Melts your heart.
0
19
45
Hey social justice Catholics! Hillary's plan to address poverty in America looks to be serious and effective.
26
23
42
And so beautifully done @sr_simone & @JamesMartinSJ!! Let me also add that @ThomasReeseSJ streamed a wonderful Mass for Catholics at the convention. Deo gratias for them all!.
Read: Prayers at the D.N.C. by Sr. Simone Campbell and Fr. James Martin
2
8
45
Friends, let's all take a moment to thank @JamesMartinSJ. This month's issue of @CatholicHerald is only latest ignorant effort to portray Fr. Jim as fomenting division in the Church. Fr. Jim, bless you!
2
6
41
Goodbye @DWStweets . Finally! Her leadership saw Dem held seats in nation sink to lowest number since Pres Hoover.
7
15
33
A Franciscan thought. WIC benefits go to recipients the first few days of April. For those who can, let’s not grocery shop those days. Let’s allow WIC recipients a chance to find food and necessities on the shelves during the few days of the month, while they have the funds.
0
10
35
Blaming any pope for McCarrick is off-track, but his 1st appointment was by Paul VI, his next three by JPII, & he resigned as Archbishop of DC for B16. So M was retired long before Francis was elected. To hint that Francis was lax is ludicrous. @austeni @DouthatNYT @GibsonWrites.
2
12
39
I know many former CUA students follow me on Twitter. I’m very sorry to report the death of my colleague from my years there, Professor James O’Leary. Jim was always so popular with the students. I pray that the angels welcome him into paradise. I pray too for his two daughters.
6
7
43
Save this for the next time a Catholic conservative drones on about how government handouts to the poor create a culture of dependency.
The Roman Catholic Church received at least $1.4 billion in federal coronavirus aid using a special and unprecedented exemption to a U.S. rule that church leaders secured after lobbying the Trump administration.
2
6
37
Pius XII knew of the death camps. Catholics must let that weigh on our souls. In the face of today’s rising antisemitism we must be on the frontlines in fighting such evil. via @americamag.
37
10
30
Bravo, Bishop McElroy. The Gospels demand we stand with the oppressed, the discriminated, the marginalized — not those sleek with power and privilege.
"We cannot simply pass by in silence, as the crowd did while our Lord was crucified," Bishop McElroy says. If silence is no longer an option for you, let's work together to overcome racism. Registration:
0
9
37
Shocking disregard of ideals of democracy, norms of law & rights in favor of tradition-flavored, populist authoritarianism, makes clear there can be no place for this movement in today’s church. Scary echos of Coughlin & his pro-fascist Christian Front.
4
9
37
Pro-Life? Nearly half of USA births paid for by Medicaid. Slashing Medicaid coverage likely means skyrocketing abortions. RESIST Trumpcare!.
0
33
37
Fellow Democrats: Want to beat Trump? Make more room in our party for pro-life Democrats. Midwest, Latinos, Purple States! New poll finds "dramatic shift" on abortion attitudes - Axios
1
16
40
Wink at death penalty. Wink at misogyny. Wink at structural sin of trickle down economics. Wink at corroding Creation. Wink at lying, adultery, corruption, undermine the rule of law, & usurpation of democracy. Wink at walls & caged immigrants. Wink at white supremacy & racism.
73% -- terrible.
1
5
38
The Christianity Today editorial should raise a question for Catholics who stay silent about his immorality because they like his appointment of conservative judges. How far does cooperation with evil stretch? What are the limits to a good end justifying evil means?.
4
6
38
This strong letter of support for Pope Francis from the united bishops of Latin America contrasts starkly with the equivocal statement from the USCCB. Telling, no? Opposition to Pope Francis has such a thick, American accent.
3
13
33
Catholic March from Lafayette Park to African American Museum.
3
8
41
@BarackObama I miss the intelligence, dignity, and humanity that Obama brought to the office.
2
4
38
“If we do not have the capacity to distinguish what’s true from what’s false, then by definition the marketplace of ideas doesn’t work. And by definition our democracy doesn’t work. We are entering into an epistemological crisis.” @BarackObama.
1
7
36
Ratzinger. "When a Catholic does not share a candidate’s stand in favour of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons.".
3
10
36
Beyond US bishops. the dangerous immorality of white nationalism needs a new magisterial teaching from Rome. The “make my nation white again” reactionary movements around the globe are diametrically opposed to the faith, yet some of its prominent leaders purport to be Catholic.
U.S. Catholic bishops' response to NZ mosque shooting is not good enough. No specific condemnation of white nationalism. Nothing about mainstreaming of far-right political rhetoric (Trump) that creates a climate where this type of violence can flourish.
2
9
35
I’m pleased to announce my joining the board of @CatholicClimate Covenant. Our Church preaches a moral imperative to care for creation, to see the loving hand of God in the natural world that is our common home. An honor to be part of this organization.
1
1
35
Blessed Christmas to all from me — and my twin grandkids!
4
3
31
Attention Catholics: @CardinalBCupich issues powerful statement on Trump’s move against Muslim refugees.
1
26
28
The provenance of what @CardinalBCupich called an “ill-considered” letter to Biden (and that the Vatican tried to stop) runs through the @usccb’s ad hoc culture war committee. It should be clear to prudent heads now that the committee is a loose cannon.
2
4
32
Such good news!.
Pope Francis has appointed London-born Dominican Sister Helen Alford as a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (@CasinaPioIV); Sister is currently Vice Rector of the Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.
1
5
30
It is disturbing to me as a Catholic that so many of the dangerously unprincipled architects of Trumpism have roots in a particular strain of the Catholic Church in the United States. See also @commonwealmag’s editorial on AG Barr.
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon wins legal battle to set up political academy in former Italian monastery.
7
6
30
It’s the feast day of one of my favorite saints, Therese — The Little Flower. Simplicity, peace, and letting go to let God. But at this historical moment, dear saint, I must admit that I’m praying for the intercession John the Baptist, Joan of Arc, and Oscar Romero.
1
2
32
In my heart of hearts, I know when Christ returns for the Second Coming it will be as a non-white, migrant girl pleading for asylum at the United States’ southern border.
1
5
29
Honored to do what I can in this important work. Stephen Schneck Elected as Chair of Bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Eric Ueland as Vice Chair
7
3
35
@JamesMartinSJ We might point out, too, that you cannot be a tax exempt organization and endorse.
0
4
26
I’ll be attending tomorrow’s #CatholicDayOfAction on Capitol Hill, especially for the thousands of migrant and asylum-seeking children who have been locked up, separated from their parents, and shamefully demonized by government. Prayers appreciated.
We are at a pivotal moment in history that demands a faithful response. Join us for a #CatholicDayOfAction as we stand up for the dignity and rights of immigrants!.--.Thursday, July 18, 2019.10 AM – 12 PM.U.S. Capitol Lawn.--.Learn More:.👉
0
5
32
I dare "Catholics for Trump" to defend this as pro-life.
Trump Feared Testing Too Many People for Virus Would Spook Stock Markets, Says Report | “Jared [Kushner] had been arguing that testing too many people, or ordering too many ventilators, would spook the markets and so we just shouldn’t do it. ”
3
15
28
Here the nuncio does not mince words about the error of Americanism.
"A Christianity configured as a political ideology, focused mostly on the definition of moral norms and training 'cultural warriors' for the defense of orthodoxy does not correspond to the aspirations of the human heart." — Cardinal Christophe Pierre .
5
8
29
So beautiful.
The tenderness of a child! This is Chuyito & her little baby sister today at the Refugee Camp.Matamoros. Let us follow a child’s example to love tenderly & care for the vulnerable & fragile in the world.
0
6
29
I’m very saddened to learn of the death of Cokie Roberts. I was lucky enough to work with her on Catholic topics over the years. She was brilliant, caring, serious about her faith and her country, and so much fun to be with. May angels welcome her into paradise.
0
1
30
If you read nothing else on #CatholicTwitter today, you must read this piece from @EJDionne!
2
15
24
Atrocious, cruel plan by Oklahoma to rush 25 executions. The death penalty is “inadmissible” punishment. Shameful it occurs in US. Catholics speak up! @ArchbishopOKC @ArchbishopGomez
3
10
27
I thought I was disgusted by this president before, but tonight I am outraged by this traitor to the Republic!.
1
4
25
Dem Catholic outreach deserves some serious rethinking — and this would include my own engagement. In 2020 Biden won the Catholic vote by five points. Yesterday Trump won it by double digits. Among demographic groups this is among the biggest shifts. How did we mess up?
8
4
27
So proud and so happy for my @WashArchdiocese!.
He is described by former parishioners and colleagues as a man who leads his flock with a loving heart and empathetic soul. Tomorrow, Archbishop Wilton Gregory becomes the 1st Cardinal in the Church in the US of African-American descent. God bless him always and in all ways.
0
2
27
Wow!! Joint statement on climate change by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch | The Archbishop of Canterbury
0
11
27
The arrest of Bishop Alvarez by Ortega’s government must be condemned loudly by the international community. @OAS_official @UN @OEA_oficial
0
9
28
Does the SCOTUS decision that the free exercise clause trumps public safety regulations only apply to major denominations? Asking for a friend with poisonous snakes to sell.
1
2
26
Important story by @BrianFragaNCR. CCHD reflects the best of our church. US bishops to decide fate of anti-poverty program reviled by conservatives | National Catholic Reporter @PovertyUSA_CCHD
3
13
28
Powerful indictment of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Utterly compelling and poignant.
2
4
25
Such wonderful, wonderful news to wake to on a Sunday morning! @WashArchdiocese Bravo, Your Eminence!.
#Breaking: Pope Francis will make @WashArchbishop, Wilton Gregory, a Cardinal next month. He will become the first African American cardinal at a time when the fight for racial justice continues to take center spotlight in this country.
0
1
28
So impressed by ++Cupich. As the Holy Father says, “Who am I to judge?” Our church’s shepherds are properly pastors, as the etymology of the word demands. Never judges. The Gospels deplore self-righteous Pharisees and preening judges.
Without citing recent incidents of some saying Biden is Catholic in name only, in his Sunday homily @CardinalBCupich says:. "There should never be a time or a moment in which we judge others and their faith journey and say that a person is not Christian enough or Catholic enough"
2
3
25
Our wounded church needs pastors not judges. So does our wounded country. Come Holy Spirit.
2
2
23
Pope Francis is far better in addressing abuse than his predecessors. These numbers are being driven by a conservative faction that has organized a campaign against His Holiness.
4
15
23