Pfleger's Heart-Pfelt Apology

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jun 2, 2008 6:26PM

Rev. Michael Pfleger apologized this weekend for his comments about Hillary Clinton and promised to refrain from specific political discussions for the rest of the campaign. He also said the last few days were "the most painful" of his life. From his "statement of apology":

I apologize for words that I chose. I apologize for my dramatization that was for many who do not know me, simply typical dramatics I often use in sermons.

I apologize for anyone who was offended and who thought it to be mockery, that was not my intent, nor my heart.

For whatever damage that was caused to any human being and for any offense felt, especially to any of the candidates or their families, I am deeply sorry and I pray that my apology will be accepted even by those who say they won’t accept it....

We have as a country done many great things, but we will never become a great country until justice flows like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream to every human life, no matter race, creed, color or denomination, every human life....

Hate me if you will. Hate my imperfect presentation. Hate my imperfect dramatization. Hate my imperfect articulation. I have never presumed to be anything but imperfect, but I pray I can still beat the drum of justice, even if sometimes I am off beat.

That line about justice and righteousness is a a twofer allusion, recalling both Amos 5:24 and to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. [Trib, S-T]

After the jump, let's talk about religion and politics--it might be poor manners, but I can't resist.

Religion and American politics go together like...well, like things that aren't actually separate. Pastors shed light on and give context to political discussions and ideas (even if it's technically illegal for a non-profit to endorse a particular candidate). American religiosity has greatly influenced if not explicitly defined national attitudes about social justice and civil rights. Why shouldn't religious thinkers and leaders and organizers offer their thoughts to people who want to hear them?

I thought Pfleger's comments were under-informed, not aligned with my own take on the campaigns, and not particularly illuminating given my understanding and interpretation of Christian theology. These are a few among many reasons I'm not one of Pfleger's parishioners. But I've also heard moving, insightful and provocative political ideas from pulpits, and given some of the issues entwined in this year's race, it seems absurd for religious leaders—and religious followers—not to weigh in.

How do we define life? Where did our planet come from, where is it going, and what are our responsibilities to preserve or maintain it? How should we care for the sick? Can war ever be just? What's marriage? What am I entitled to as a person, and what are my obligations to my neighbors? Those are questions candidates have to answer, but they're also questions a lot of people turn to religion to answer. What are we limiting when we ask clergy not to be political?