From Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Diocese of
Richmond, and Bishop Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese
of Arlington and State Chaplain of the Virginia State Council
of the Knights of Columbus,
We are aware that the Knights of Columbus Council #3548 has
extended an invitation to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe
to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2015 Norfolk Saint Patrick’s
Day Parade which the Governor has accepted. Council #3548, a
regional, not parish council, has sponsored and organized
this parade since its inception in 1967. The invitation was
issued without the advice or consent of the local parish
priest, the local bishop, or the Knights state council.
Together with our brother bishops, we have been clear,
consistent and firm in upholding the truths reflected in the
fundamental doctrine and moral principles of our faith. It is
an erroneous and serious mistake in judgment for any Catholic
organization to grant awards, honors and platforms to any
public person who clearly acts in defiance to Catholic
teaching (cf. “Catholics in Political Life”, USCCB, June
2004). While one must always respect the Office of the
Governor and the person holding that office, and dialogue
should be fostered, one cannot deny that the Governor has
made public statements in opposition to the moral teaching of
the Catholic Church on issues pertaining to the dignity of
human life and marriage.
We fully support the Catholic principle of subsidiarity,
which promotes decision-making taking place at the local
level whenever possible. However, the decision of the local
council to invite the Governor to be the Grand Marshal does
not reflect the stance of the Knights of Columbus
international order, the Bishops of the Dioceses of Richmond
or Arlington, or the Catholic Church. In addition, we support
the local parish, Catholic schools and entities that have
decided that, in this case, adhering to their faith means
withdrawing from the parade.
The Knights of Columbus are called to live out and uphold the
truths of our Catholic faith. As we go forward, we are
confident that every council of Knights of Columbus within
the Commonwealth of Virginia will carefully weigh future
invitations and selections in light of the fullness of Church
teaching.
