Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Archbishop Dolan chimes in on Necedah Cult

Archbishop Timothy Dolan commented in his Sunday sermon on the Tammy Lewis case, in which Lewis and her "bishop", Alan Bushey, concealed the death of Magdeline Alvina Middlesworth for 2 months while they glommed on to her Social Security and annuity income. From the WTMJ website:
The District Attorney in Juneau County called the couple a cult. They're accused of using religion to commit fraud.

Alan Bushey and Tammy Lewis allegedly kept the body of a 90-year-old woman sitting on the toilet for two months, claiming God would bring her back to life.

Archbishop Dolan says he isn't familiar with the group, but he was saddened to hear what they're accused of.

"That's not even religion, that's a terrible distortion and corruption of religion to even call that part of the patrimony and tradition of the church," Dolan said.
Hmm. Taking advantage of someone's fear and credulity to avail yourself of their property. Promising immunity from death in exchange for prayer and financial support of the organization doing the promising.

No, the Church has never done that.

Nothing to see here, folks: move along.

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