Boehner, McCotter ask for faith-based official’s resignation

Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) co-signed a letter today characterizing Harry Knox, a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, as a “virulent anti-Catholic bigot” who has made “numerous vile dishonest attacks against the Church and the Holy Father.”

The letter, delivered to the White House this morning, says that “[Knox has no business on any Council having to do with faith or religion,” and calls on President Obama to “remove Mr. Knox from his position and to formally disassociate yourself from his militant anti-Catholicism.”

The letter was signed by 20 Catholic organizations leaders concerned about past comments made by Knox. The group, in a press conference Wednesday, stressed that the disagreements they have with Knox extend beyond policy, and go to nature and tone of his comments.

Mr. Knox “has not only criticized the public policy of a Catholic leader, but in did so terms that are hateful and simply prejudice,” said Chuck Donovan, executive vice president of the Family Research Council.

In the press conference, the speakers pointed to a number of Knox’s statements as evidence of his prejudice. One comment Knox had made about the Pope’s position on condoms particularly angered the letter writers.

“The Pope needs to start telling the truth about condom use,” Knox had told CNSnews.com on April 6. “We are eager to help him do that. Until he [Pope Benedict] is willing to do that and able, he’s doing a great deal more harm than good–not just in Africa but around the world. It is endangering people’s lives.”

A spokesman for Boehner said the Minority Leader felt obligated to speak out.

“As a leading Catholic lawmaker, Rep. Boehner felt it was important to weigh in condemning the abusive rhetoric this nominee has used towards the church and the Pope,” said Michael Steel.

This latest wave of anti-Catholic anger aimed at the President comes as he prepares to speak at Notre Dame’s graduation, a move that has sparked controversy in the Catholic community.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) in April was the first member to call on the Obama administration to remove Knox from his position. Pence said at the time, “The President’s recent appointment to his advisory council makes a mockery out of the religious beliefs of countless Americans. This selection furthers the divisive politics the American people have rejected and the President promised to abandon. Appointing a man who has publicly attacked the Pope and other religious leaders for their support of traditional marriage is deeply offensive to millions of Americans and the faith-based community he is appointed to serve.”

The White House was contacted for this story, but was not immediately available for comment.

–Michael M. Gleeson