Robert F. Drinan Quotes
There is an obvious and sometimes truly pathetic desire of Congressmen to be identified in the popular mind with those individuals who want more godliness in the schools and more fervor in our public piety.
Robert F. Drinan, 1920-2007, U.S. Congressman (Democrat, MA), 1964
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
Carter was personally one of the most religious of our Presidents.
In the city of Narragansett, RI, there Lester York had each Christmas season dressed up as St Nicholas, 4TH century Catholic Bishop, the precursor to Santa Clause. He played the part of the Bishop and discussed Christmas in that context. The presentation was very educational as students could learn of the culture of that time but they also received an authentic religious sermon of the time. By inviting York into the public elementary schools, the students were learning some history and culture but they were also involved in a religious service and doctrine—the divinity of Christ. The former was good; the latter illegal as the public schools were in addition to educating historically communicating religious messages. York’s presentations had many supporters who had argued that York’s presentation conveyed Christian messages very well and children should not be denied that opportunity. After much community discussion, the public schools withdrew their invitation to York, and he gave his excellent presentation in many community churches.
Robert Frederick Drinan SJ was a Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, lawyer, human rights activist, and Democratic U.S. Representative from Massachusetts. Drinan left office to comply with Pope John Paul II's request for all priests to remain neutral from politics.
