Fr. James Altman: The Latest Priest Under Fire by his Bishop for Boldly Speaking the Truth

What did Fr. Altman do?

He preached the truth saying you can't be Democrat and Catholic! Read the Democrat platform especially the section on women's rights and gender equality. Does this conform by any stretch to Catholic teaching or is it in direct violation supporting sins that call to heaven for vengeance? Believe me, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out! Now watch Father's homily that was shortened for the video.

Father spoke the truth. It's a mortal sin to support intrinsic evil. And please don't spout drivel about single issue voting. There are issues so grievous that taking the wrong (evil) side disqualifies a person from consideration. I never voted for Republican John Warner for exactly that reason. I couldn't vote for the Republicans' golden girl in Baltimore, Kimberly Klacik, either. She's pro-abortion and wants over-the-counter sale of contraceptive drugs. No Ma'am!

Fr. Altman is a courageous, plain-speaking truth teller. He deserves praise for his bold preaching. But prophets are always persecuted and, as Jesus said in the synagogue of Nazareth, a prophet is never recognized in his own home town.

Not to say that Fr. Altman has no supporters. As a matter of fact he has many! Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas for one who endorsed his statement. (See more here.)

Rene Gracida, Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi also gave him thumbs up:

BRAVO FATHER JAMES ALTMAN, BRAVO PHIL SEVILLA, BRAVO BISHOP JOSEPH STRICKLAND, SHAME ON BISHOP WILLIAM P. CALLAHAN, BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE

Fr. Mark Goring did a video about Fr. Altman's statement. He pointed out the prophetic message which explains the "tone" a bit don't you think? When have prophets ever coddled the sinful people of God? Isn't that what Catholics are supposed to be? Shouldn't we be called out when we are in danger of hell?

Now let's look at Fr. Altman's bishop, William Patrick Callahan of La Crosse, WI who is threatening him with discipline for speaking the truth. The bishop definitely didn't like his "tone." Makes you wonder how he would have reacted to John the Baptist, Moses, or Elijah doesn't it? They weren't exactly shrinking violets speaking in dulcet "tones."

Moving on, the bishop put out a public statement in which he claimed he was following the Biblical admonition to go to your brother privately. Here's what he wrote (my comments in red):

Fr. James Altman has become a social media phenomenon and is now a main stream media story. The amount of calls and emails we are receiving at the Diocesan offices show how divisive he is. [Like Jesus?] I am being pressured by both sides for a comment; one side holds him up as a hero or a prophet, the other side condemns him and vilifies him and demands I silence him. [Better for one good priest to be thrown under the bus than for the bishop to be embarrassed.]

As I review Fr. Altman’s latest video statement of 30 August 2020, I understand the undeniable truth that motivates his message. When we approach issues that are contradictory to the Faith and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, particularly on abortion and other life issues, we should invite dialogue and heart-felt conversion to the truth. Our approach must never seek to divide, isolate and condemn. [Good grief! How many babies have to die and how many years of dialogue do we have to suffer before we speak the truth? Souls are at stake as well as the lives of innocent babies, Bishop. Where have you been for the last 45 years?] 

That being said it is not only the underlying truth that needs to be evaluated but also the manner of delivery and the tone of his message. Unfortunately, the tone Fr. Altman offers comes off as angry and judgmental, lacking any charity and in a way that causes scandal both in the Church and in society. [If you're not angry, Bishop, there's something wrong with you! As for his tone -- NONSENSE! I watched the video several times. He is blowing the warning trumpet! Ringing the tocsin! It's a call to arms; not an invitation to the church picnic. He calls out the "pretenders" and "imposters" which is exactly what Catholics like Biden and Pelosi and those who support them are.] His generalization and condemnation of entire groups of people is completely inappropriate and not in keeping with our values or the life of virtue. [Uh...really? Didn't Jesus condemn the pharisees and sadducees as a group? Was the bishop's real beef Fr. Altman's challenge of the hierarchy saying shame on the bishops who have instilled fear in their priests to keep them silent? I for one am sick of sweetness and light from the pulpit that totally ignores the problems we face in the culture.]

I am applying Gospel principles to the correction of Fr. Altman. “If your brother does something wrong to you, go to him. Talk alone to him and tell him what he has done. If he listens to you, you have kept your brother as a friend. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two others
with you to talk to him.” (Mt 18:15-16).  I have begun this process, not in the bright light of the public arena, but as the Gospel dictates, in private. [This is sheer hypocrisy. How can you put out a public statement specifically condemning the actions of a priest, threatening canonical penalties, and say you are going to him privately? Sorry, Bishop, it doesn't pass the smell test!] Canon law indicates that before penalties ard imposed, we need to ensure that fraternal correction, rebuke or other means of pastoral solicitude will not be sufficient to repair the scandal (can. 1341). [Well this makes it clear as a bell that the bishop intends to throw Fr. Altman under the bus. He'll have plenty of company there with all the other persecuted and marginalized priest who've gone before him punished by feckless cowards wearing pectoral crosses that is supposed to symbolize their willingness to suffer for Christ. How many bishops are?]

Most people expect a decisive move from me, one way or another. Many suggest immediate penalties that will utterly silence him; others call for complete and unwavering support of his views. Canonical penalties are not far away if my attempts at fraternal correction do not work. I pray that Fr. Altman’s heart and eyes might be open to the error of his ways and that he might take steps to correct his behavior and heal the wound he has inflicted on the Body of Christ. [Fr. Altman did nothing wrong. There is no error to correct. He did the same thing done by Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Nathan, John the Baptist, and all the other prophets raised up by God to call out the Chosen People when they committed themselves to idolatry, child sacrifice, and other evils.]

Pray for me as I address this issue, and pray for Fr. Altman that he might hear and respond to my fraternal correction. Finally, please pray for the Church that we might seek the truth in charity and apply it in our daily actions. [Yes, pray indeed that Bishop Callahan doesn't destroy Fr. Altman's vocation. God help him on Judgment Day if he does!]

This battle is far from over. The bishop has banned Fr. Altman's live streamed Masses. That is likely just the beginning of his persecution. LifeSiteNews has a petition for Fr. Altman. Please sign it! And share it on Facebook and Twitter. Fr. James Martin is stirring up his followers to attack Fr. Altman and they willingly oblige. Talk about someone who should be disciplined but Martin (well named since he walks in the footsteps of another Martin) goes on his merry, evil way scandalizing boldly and reveling in it. That he suffers no consequences and is actually praised by the likes of Blase Cupich (who, by the way, is quoted and praised by Bishop Callahan on his website) is another scandal. Let us all pray for mercy on our poor Church and on our poor country. And if you want to hear more from Fr. Altman check out his interview with Taylor Marshall from September 11th. He looks stressed and exhausted, but speaks boldly. It's heartbreaking.