Speaker Johnson Extends Invitation To Catholics For Traditional Latin Mass At Capitol One Year After FBI Memo

Written By BlabberBuzz | Wednesday, 24 January 2024 03:20 PM
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Speaker Johnson Extends Invitation To Catholics For Traditional Latin Mass At Capitol One Year After FBI Memo

In a move that marked the first anniversary of the FBI's controversial memo, which labeled "traditionalist" Catholic groups as potential extremists, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson hosted a Traditional Latin Mass at the Capitol building on Tuesday.

eThe memo, which was issued in the lead-up to the 2024 election, was first reported by The Pillar.

Johnson had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the FBI's memo in a letter penned in August 2023. He criticized the FBI's testimony before Congress, stating it lacked full transparency. He also hinted at potential "contempt proceedings" against the Bureau. Speaking to The Pillar before Tuesday's mass, Johnson reiterated his discontent with the FBI's actions.

"The weaponization of the Department of Justice and the FBI is a deeply damaging development that we must put an end to," Johnson told the news outlet.

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The contentious FBI memo highlighted an alleged increasing overlap between far-right white nationalist movements and radical traditionalist Catholic (RTC) groups. The memo cited increased hostility towards abortion-rights advocates on social media platforms following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, as evidence of this convergence.

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The memo further suggested that law enforcement should intensify surveillance of these communities. It proposed the use of "existing sources," the development of new contacts, and building relationships with community faith leaders to detect signs of radicalization among their congregations.

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The memo's release to the public sparked widespread outrage. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares all condemned the memo in strong terms, as reported by The Arlington Catholic Herald.

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Bishop Burbidge expressed his shock and offense at the memo's characterization of a religious order as extremist due to its celebration of the traditional Latin Mass. "To be associated with extremism and labeled a threat to society because of the way you worship or practice your faith is simply outrageous," he said.

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Bishop Knestout called on national representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia in the House and Senate to exercise their oversight role, publicly condemn the threat to religious liberty, and ensure such infringements on the constitutionally protected free exercise of religion do not recur.

Echoing the bishops' sentiments, Miyares described the document as "unacceptable, unconstitutional, and un-American."

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