In a video released by a far-right news organization, a La Crosse Catholic priest bashes church leaders and denounces practicing Catholics belonging to the Democratic bloc, saying they will go to hell for being godless hypocrites.
In a 10-minute video, Pastor James Altman of St. James The Less Catholic Church, said "you can't be a Catholic and be a Democrat," referring to what he describes as "clueless baptized Catholics," Olivia Herken of the Lacrosse Tribune quoted the priest as saying.
Altman specifically lashed out at Fr. James Martin, who was among participants in the Democratic National Convention. In the video posted on YouTube, Altman called Martin a "hyper, confusing spreading heretic." Altman also attacked the Democrats using savage words.
The St. James priest said the Democratic platform goes against the dogma and tenets of the Catholic Church, adding that Martin should just stop pretending he is a Catholic and repent, otherwise "face the fires of hell."
Altman also said in the video that climate change is a hoax, and called family planning the "most racist organization" in the world whose main intention is to "wipe out Black babies."
In the aftermath of the seething video, members of the church have voiced thoughts on Altman's statements and called for civil discourse - and that includes the Diocese of La Crosse.
In a Wednesday statement, the diocese said Altman's generalization and damnation of entire groups of people is totally offensive and uncalled for and not aligned with moral virtues.
But, a bishop from Tyler, Texas does not find any wrong in the vilifications made by Altman. In fact, he even proudly endorsed him on social media.
According to Bishop Joseph Strickland, his shame is that he did not quickly support Altman after the video came out. "Thank You Fr. Altman for your COURAGE," Strickland tweeted, which - as of Sept. 8 - has collected over 3,800 likes and 1,700 retweets, CNA reported.
