Questions Governor Palin Must Answer About the Anti-Catholicism of Her Spiritual Leaders

New York: October 10, 2008 Sarah Palin has maintained a long-term and continuous involvement with clergy of the U.S. based New Apostolic Reformation movement ('NAR") headed by C. Peter Wagner, Formerly of the Fuller Theological Seminary.

"What makes this a matter of public concern," said Frank L. Cocozzelli, spokesperson for the progressive Christian group, CrossLeft, "is that the organization has a long, strong streak of anti-Catholicism."

For example, Bishop Thomas Muthee, who has spoken repeatedly at the Wasilla Assemblies of God Church and personally blessed and anointed Governor Palin in 2005, engages in what NAR terms "spiritual warfare"-- with an aim to de- Catholicize communities and nations. "Brazil is occupied by Catholics," declared Muthee in a militant sermon he gave on March 14, 2004 at a United Kingdom church, 'but people are being saved anyway!"

C. Peter Wagner says that the Roman Catholic Church is under the sway of a great demon he calls the "Queen of Heaven."

Top NAR leaders go on spiritual warfare expeditions to try to decrease the power of this "demon." For example, following a 1997 expedition to the Himalayas Prophetess Ana Mendez said that she believed that their efforts might have caused the death of Mother Theresa. In another case, NAR took credit for an earthquake that damaged the Basilica at St Francis's hometown of Assisi, Italy.

The NAR holds similar views regarding the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.

"As a Catholic," said Cocozzelli, "I am deeply concerned about Governor Palin's ongoing involvement with Pastor Ed Kalnins and Bishop Thomas Muthee, both of whom are engaged in the anti-Catholic New Apostolic Reformation movement."

In fairness, we do not know what Governor Palin believes. But her involvement with this movement requires us to ask, Does Sarah Palin share this view of Catholicism? Does she view Catholicism as demonic or anything other than a legitimate, international faith?

But in light of her long-term involvements with clergy such as Pastor Kalnins and Bishop Muthee, her predictable answer exempting herself from the views of the religious leaders of her choosing may be insufficient.

On its face, one of two things is happening here:

Either Governor Palin maintains beliefs that are hostile towards Catholicism or she openly associates with religious leaders who do harbor these poisonous views.

It is therefore incumbent upon her explain to sixty million American Catholics why she continues to associate with religious bigots of the NAR movement.

CrossLeft is also sponsoring a petition asking Gov. Palin to stop bearing false witness against Sen. Obama.

Frank Cocozzelli
CrossLeft
Frank@crossleft.org
516-435-3800

Faith Newswire email: steve@crossleft.org

CrossLeft | c/o F.L. Cocozzelli | 300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 234 | Garden City | NY | 11530