The Archbishop of St. Louis was a wonderful man. He was a friend of the Pope's, and invited him for a visit. It was good for the city and for the religious community. I am not Catholic, but I respected the man.
He moved onward and upward.
His replacement had decided to be a different sort of leader.
Then, there is the Polish Catholic community here in St. Louis. When the Archdiocese decided their classical church, and 9 million dollars worth of assets, needed to be transfered from a "Private Parish Corporation" that has been in existance for 125+ years.
The congregation fears the Archbishop will simply sell off the assets and close the church.
Whether this new controversy will add to the church's luster here in St. Louis is very doubtful.
It also helps that this Arch-Bishop has been far from leading the hunt and punishment of abusive priests.
And then, when all is at an uproar, he comes out and says that he would feel forced to excommunicate Kerry for his pro-life stand.
My very Catholic Grandmother-in-law, and all her friends, are protesting the Archbishop, and keeping thier work on the Democratic Committee. The connection between St. Louis Democrats and the Catholic Church, but known for helping the sick and poor, is culturally stronger than alliegance to new Arch-Bishop.