By Teri Knight, News Director
A Lonsdale priest, who came under scrutiny after a homily he gave on Immigration Sunday calling out Islam, has apologized. The Star Tribune,as well as several other news organizations, reported Father Nick VanDenBroeke of Immaculate Conception Church told parishioners that, “Both as Americans and as Christians, we do not need to pretend that everyone who seeks to enter America should be treated the same,” adding, “I believe it is essential to consider the religion and worldview of the immigrants or refugees. More specifically, we should not be allowing large numbers of Muslims asylum or immigration into our country.”
Islam, he continued, is “the greatest threat in the world” to both Christianity and the United States, and it was the duty of the church to “[keep] bad ideas out of the country.” While he reportedly added that they shouldn’t hate Muslims, he made it clear that the religion is not welcome. The audio of the homily which was available yesterday evening has been removed from the church’s website and an apology by the Father, posted on the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis website, reads “My homily on immigration contained words that were hurtful to Muslims. I’m sorry for this. I realize now that my comments were not fully reflective of the Catholic Church’s teaching on Islam.” Link to homily removed. Archbishop Bernard Hebda issued a statement that reads in part: “The teaching of the Catholic Church is clear. As Pope Benedict XVI noted, ‘The Catholic Church, in fidelity to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, looks with esteem to Muslims, who worship God above all by prayer, almsgiving and fasting, revere Jesus as a prophet while not acknowledging his divinity, and honour Mary, his Virgin Mother.’ He called upon the Church to persist in esteem for Muslims, who ‘worship God who is one, living and subsistent; merciful and almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to humanity.’ If all of us who believe in God desire to promote reconciliation, justice and peace, we must work together to banish every form of discrimination, intolerance and religious fundamentalism.”
Man found slumped over in Nfld Church parking lot
A Belle Plaine man, who thought he was in St. Cloud, was rustled awake by a Northfield police officer on Sunday in the parking lot of Bethel Lutheran Church after an off-duty Rice County Deputy spotted him slumped over in his vehicle. 28 year old Alexander John Thompson was found with his head down and surrounded by drug paraphernalia used to shoot heroin or methamphetamine. He admitted he left treatment and relapsed. He has four previous 5th degree drug convictions and an assault on an officer. He’s charged with 5th degree felony possession.
Proposed West Ave. apartment complex in Dundas moves to Council’s plate, Cannon Valley Makers Open House
The Dundas Planning Commission voted unanimously to move the West Avenue Apartment complex on to the City Council’s agenda. The Faribault developer had hoped to break ground on the 3 story building last Fall but there have been some tweaks needed before approval from the Commission. The 40 unit complex, to be built on West Avenue off Railway St., will have a small community room and workout room. Administrator Teppen said this week she’s not sure exactly when it will be on their agenda but they’re looking forward to it. In the meantime, Cannon Valley Makers held their Open House last Sunday. Teppen stopped by, she said it was nice to see so many people checking it all out, seeing how they might participate. Cannon Valley Makers is a cooperative of artists working in anything from metals to fibers to woodworking. They sell memberships in which artists can use the equipment and space to create. They also plan to hold classes and events to show their wares and demonstrate to the public.
HFC announces 4 new Board members
As 2020 kicks off, HealthFinders Collaborative (HFC) announced that four new members have joined the board of directors. They were elected at HFC’s November 2019 board meeting, joining the 13 other members of the non-profit. Board Chair Stephen Pribyl said, “Our new board members represent a broad and varied spectrum of the Rice County community, and we look forward to their guidance and input as we move forward during this very exciting time for HealthFinders,”. HealthFinders Collaborative (HFC), is a community health center which provides a comprehensive primary access point to health services for marginalized families in Rice County. The full press release with the names and bios of the new members is on kymn.net under our Community News page.
