When conviction becomes the new "uncivility"

CNS has an article ("Lay Catholics call for greater civility in American political debate") informing us that some notable folks have assembled to sign a petition entitled "Catholic Call to Observe Civility in Political Debate" inspired by a homily delivered by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick calling for "greater civility in public discourse" and blah, blah, blah....

Okay, let's try to be objective, honest, and concise.

Simply put, what these various individuals are claiming is that it is uncivil for a sitting bishop or archbishop to say in public that a certain public official's political platform and/or actions prevent him from receiving the Eucharist.

I haven't noticed any sitting bishop or archbishop cross the line of civility in their promulgation of this truth and their defense of this teaching. Quite the opposite: I've witnessed remarkable restraint, patience and pastoral sensitivity, along with frank, uncompromising certitude.

... and that's what these individuals really believe is so uncivil, that these brave bishops and archbishops are so sure about what they teach. The prevailing subjectivism cannot tolerate such clarity.

Of course, Cardinal George has said that the USCCB is "not of one mind in discussing this question." And in the words of Jim Lackey, "Whether they will be any closer after next week is anyone’s guess."

Update: For those interested, the full text of the statement is available here. (Ph/t: CNS News Hub)