Archbishop Warns Supreme Court To Respect Ancient Foundations

September 30, 2012

The Associated Press

Cardinal Archbishop of Washington Donald Wuerl speaks with U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle after the 60th annual Red Mass in Washington on Sunday. (AP)

A Roman Catholic archbishop has warned Chief Justice John Roberts and his fellow justices not to confuse what's popular with what's best for society.

On the eve of a Supreme Court term that could take up gay marriage, six of the nine justices attended the annual Red Mass to pray for judges at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington.

In the homily, Archbishop Timothy Broglio warned that not everything contemporary is good, and that society needs its ancient foundations. Otherwise, he said, "We run the risk of sinking into the mire of one popular sound bite after another."

Broglio, archbishop for the military services, urged the congregation to be open to the spirit of God, beg for his blessings and "strive to be instruments of a new evangelization." He called the Mass "a moment to pause and pray for those who serve our country and foster justice for all."

The Archdiocese of Washington says Justices John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Elena Kagan, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer attended the service.

The John Carroll Society, a group of Roman Catholic Washington professionals, has organized the Red Mass at the cathedral since 1953.

This program aired on September 30, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.