Thread by @CatholicDems

So there's a lot going around about this @politico "cancel culture" poll and it looks like the wording on the question was pretty broad. And also, the term "cancel culture" has become shorthand for "legitimate grievance about racist, sexist and/or homophobic words and actions" 1/

But we're also going to push back a bit on our liberal sisters & brothers who want to reject the poll outright because, whether we like it or not, "cancel culture" does mean something to some people. Much like the term "political correctness," we can argue against its misuse. 2/

But we need to recognize that those who misuse "cancel culture" may be winning the war in using it to discredit those who do have legitimate grievance. 3/

But even more deeply, as Catholics, we need to think about whether or not we want to embrace the whole concept of "canceling" someone - even if those with whom we have legitimate grievance. 4/

We are a faith for whom atonement and reconciliation is a sacrament. We believe that God's forgiveness is always available for those who seek it. 5/

Reconciliation is NOT a "get out of jail free" card. It requires the person seeking forgiveness must truly put in the work. But it also means we must always be open to those who are truly seeking it. 6/

So we can't really get on board with "canceling" anyone - that doesn't mean we won't continue to call out those who are acting in ways that we think harms other people. But we must always be open to the belief that they can change. 7/

Shorter: Jesus would not be into "cancel culture." 8/