Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, executive vice president emeritus of the Orthodox Union, called Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the New York Archdiocese last week to express regret that an Orthodox rabbi held a political protest on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Rabbi Yehuda Levin on Wednesday publicly suspended his support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino at the iconic Manhattan church, calling on Catholic leaders to hold a conference on politics and gay rights.
Although Rabbi Levin is not a not a member of the Orthodox Union, Rabbi Weinreb said he felt the need to express his regret. “We have an ongoing relationship with the Archbishop and other officials of the New York Archdiocese. “I know representatives of the church felt it was inappropriate.”
Rabbi Weinreb said his message, which did not address Rabbi Levin’s speech, only the venue, was acknowledged by officials of the Archdiocese.
UPDATE: After reading this post, Rabbi Levin called with his response: "In the early 80’s I stood outside the steps defending St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the issue of the gay [pride] parade. No one complained then that it was political."
As to last week’s event: "My clear reference was that the Archbishop should provide leadership to the city and particularly to his adherents about the teachings of morality."
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