Contact: Thomas McKenna, Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, 858-401-9641

SAN FRANCISCO, April 16, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national association of priests and deacons, openly declare our support of Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco. He is not only our episcopal advisor but he is also a brave and courageous successor of the Apostles whose body defends the Magisterium of the Church.

It is totally inappropriate, improper and unjust for the media and others to vilify and brutally attack him when he is doing precisely what an ordained minister and pastor of souls is obligated to do, namely, speak the truth in season and out of season.

Archbishop Cordileone teaches in conformity to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He took an oath to be faithful to the Gospel and in the words of the disciples in the New Testament, "better to obey God than men."

The character assassination and uncharitable venom being cast upon a bishop merely defending the doctrines of his religion is appalling and repugnant.

We rightfully expect physicians to be faithful to the Hippocratic Oath and likewise bishops, priests and deacons are expected to be faithful to the Church, Her teachings and Her authority, since their objective is the salvation of souls, not a popularity contest.

We urge those in the media and elsewhere to show prudence, civility, and fair-mindedness in their treatment of those with whom they disagree and not resort to ad hominem attacks.