Father James Altman of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who has said Catholics cannot be members of the Democratic Party, told Massgoers that Bishop William Callahan has asked him to resign because he is
(Screenshot, Youtube)
May 25, 2021
4:36 PM ET
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A Catholic priest who preached against the Democratic Party’s progressive policies and held Masses in defiance of coronavirus restrictions has been asked to step down by his bishop.
A fund set up to defend the priest with a goal of $20,000 raised $209,025
as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“What really is at play here, dear family, is that other shepherds are offended that I simply state the fact that they have abandoned their sheep in a time of need,” Fr. Altman said. “As you’ve heard me say so many times, if this alleged virus was allegedly a fraction as dangerous as they said it was, all the more reason to keep our churches open and get you the sacraments so you stay in a state of grace.”
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Fr James Altman told his congregation to shun Covid-19 vaccines and now has been asked by his bishop to step down. Screengrab. (Alpha News YouTube)
A Wisconsin pastor who told his congregation to shun the Covid-19 vaccines has been asked by his bishop to step down for his “divisive and ineffective” behaviour.
Reverend James Altman of the St James The Less Roman Catholic Church in La Crosse in Wisconsin has accused the Church of “cancelling” him and said he will challenge the decision.
The pastor delivered a homily on 23 May and told parishioners that the La Crosse Bishop William Callahan had asked him to resign for being “divisive and ineffective.”
The news, first reported by the La Crosse Tribune, resulted in a legal defense fund for Father Altman as he prepares to challenge Bishop William Callahan’s request.
“Fr. Altman has been subject to diabolical persecution just for doing his job as a shepherd to his flock,” the fund’s creators wrote Sunday. “We, his flock, must rise to the occasion to support him as he has supported us all these months. Father Altman has shown courage and strength in his commitment to giving us the Truth. In a culture that celebrates deception and sin, Father Altman has been a shining light to tens of thousands of faithful Catholics worldwide.”