News Summary
The Sisters of Charity of New York have publicly disapproved Cardinal Dolan’s recent comparison of Charlie Kirk to St. Paul the Apostle. They argue that Kirk’s divisive rhetoric does not reflect the qualities of a saint and warn against misleading narratives that diverge from the Gospel message. This comes in light of Kirk’s controversial background and his assassination, which has reignited discussions of political violence in the U.S. The Sisters emphasize their mission of compassion and social justice as vital in contrasting Kirk’s divisive legacy.
Sisters of Charity Take a Stand Against Cardinal Dolan’s Comparison of Charlie Kirk to St. Paul
The Sisters of Charity of New York have come forward to express their disapproval of Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s recent remarks comparing Charlie Kirk to St. Paul the Apostle. This comparison was made during a colorful appearance on “Fox & Friends” on September 19 and has sparked quite a bit of discussion.
A Controversial Comparison
While the Sisters are on record condemning the tragic assassination of Kirk, they are adamant that he should not be hailed as a “modern-day St. Paul.” They pointed out that Kirk’s rhetoric has often been a source of division, marked by elements such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-immigrant discourse, and a penchant for violent pro-gun advocacy. The Sisters believe such statements lack the qualities associated with a saint.
In their statement, the Sisters took a moment to caution that equating Kirk with St. Paul could mislead people regarding the true essence of the Gospel message. They feel that such a portrayal diverges significantly from the legacy of compassion and charity left by their founder, Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The Background on Charlie Kirk
For context, Charlie Kirk was not just a public figure but the founder of Turning Point USA, known for his active role in conservative politics. His assassination on September 10 occurred during a debate at a college in Utah, triggering alarms about the rising tide of political violence in the United States.
Following his death, Kirk received a eulogy from former President Donald Trump during a memorial service, which underscored his Christian faith. A touching moment at the memorial came when Kirk’s widow, Erika, publicly forgave her husband’s alleged assassin.
Sisters of Charity’s Legacy
The Sisters of Charity, an established religious community with more than 200 years of service, have spent decades engaged in providing social services in New York City. This includes notable involvement in the Civil Rights movement and protests against the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Their commitment to social justice and charity stands in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric often associated with Kirk.
Cardinal Dolan’s Perspectives
Cardinal Dolan acknowledged that he was somewhat unfamiliar with Kirk’s background prior to the assassination. In an opinion piece published by a local publication, he emphasized the glaring need to fight hatred, especially in light of Kirk’s death. However, some critics have raised eyebrows, suggesting that Dolan overlooks Kirk’s controversial and divisive comments, potentially misrepresenting the overall narrative.
Ongoing Challenges and Legal Issues
Meanwhile, in an unexpected turn of events, two sisters from Arkansas, Kerri Melissa Rollo and Kaylee Heather Rollo, have faced legal troubles after allegedly vandalizing a memorial for Kirk. This act of vandalism—captured on video—has resulted in charges of first-degree criminal mischief against them. As their actions ignited backlash online and accusations of being doxxed, the Rollos set up a GoFundMe page seeking $18,000 to cover their legal fees.
Community response has been varied, with the Benton County Justice of the Peace condemning the act as a breach of community values. Following their arrests, Kerri’s bond was set at $15,000 while Kaylee’s bond was set at $7,500.
Reflection on Kirk’s Legacy
As the investigation into Kirk’s assassination continues, there remains concern among Catholic authorities that the comparison of Kirk to St. Paul could mislead people about the nature of his legacy. The Sisters of Charity have resonated with many, asserting that Kirk’s controversial statements sharply contrast with the compassionate teachings of Elizabeth Seton.
With discussions about the complexities surrounding Kirk’s life and legacy heating up, it’s clear that this is a conversation that will keep evolving.
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
