Does the Church have a view on a member joining the Southern heritage organization, the Sons of Confederate Veterans? I have asked several different priests but have gotten mixed responses.

Anonymous--

I have asked several different priests but have gotten mixed responses.

Which once again demonstrates why it is a bad idea to shop around for spiritual direction.

As for the matter in question, so far as I know the Sons of Confederate Veterans is a free association of the descendants of Confederate veterans who gather for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of their ancestors and the cause for which they fought. If you believe that the Confederacy fought to preserve human chattel slavery and you join the Sons to honor that cause, then there would be a problem for you in joining because a Catholic cannot defend and/or promote the chattel slavery of any human being. However, if you believe that the Confederacy fought for independence or for some other legitimate purpose, and you join to honor a morally legitimate cause, then there is no moral problem in that. Since there is considerable controversy among historians over the actual causes for which the Confederacy fought, you are free to choose the interpretation of history you believe best supports the facts.

Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers

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