Fr. Michael Tegeder of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis who previously wrote some commentarty in the StarTribune against the marriage amendment is up to the same advocacy again. This time as part of a quarter page advertisement in the StarTribune against the marriage amendment. This advertisement states "We are pastors, rabbis, seminary professors and other religious leaders in Minnesota." Susan Vigilante identifies four of the signers as Catholics. Of these four besides Fr. Tegeder is one Mary Beckfeld, who is part of the Archdiocesan Commission on Women and a member of Catholic Rainbow parents." So how exactly this makes her a religious leader I am not sure. By those qualification pretty much any Catholic can be one.<\/p>\n
Susan offers some commentary<\/a> on the oh so predictable copy in the ad.<\/p>\n Fr. Tegeder is obviously the go-to-guy for the media anytime they want a statement against Church teaching, for example back in Feburary. If I was a bishop the first thing I would do in a new diocese would get a copy of the rolodex or contact lists that include priests from the local reporters. This would be a great place to start in cleaning house and any priest on their speed dial would be the first to go.<\/p>\n "Anybody who wants to be in a committed relationship and have children — I say God bless them," said the Rev. Mike Tegeder, head pastor at St. Edward’s. While plenty of other denominations have struggled with gay rights, and clergy of other faith are involved with the postcard campaign, it’s a particularly thorny issue for Catholics.<\/p>\n Many will remember the case of Fr. Robert Altier also in Archbishop Flynn’s diocese. Fr. Altier requested permission to extend his radio ministry and the bishop discerned that he needed "a break from his multi-media apostolates might be beneficial to him and to the parish of Saint Agnes.<\/a>" Hopefully the bishop might also discern that Fr. Tegeder needs a break from his from his multi-media apostolates of writing editorials, being part of an ad campaign, and frequently being quoted by the press. Though it might also the case that Fr. Tegeder’s parish, St. Edwards, might also need a break from him and his homosexual advocacy.<\/p>\n Fr Tegeder’s previous article is no longer available at the StarTribune, but can still be seen<\/a> at Clayton’s blog.<\/p>\n