Worst thing about Al Smith dinner : it was another reminder of how far we are from the amity between opposing sides that is needed for effective governance.
John I. JenkinsI've never met anyone who has changed his mind or deepened his faith because he has been confronted with such angry condemnations.
John I. JenkinsNo doubt the [presedential] campaigns have reflected some anxiety, anger, and resentment in the nation at large, and we must try to understand these attitudes in the electorate.
John I. JenkinsBest thing about Al Smith dinner: Cardinal Dolan got the candidates together for a brief prayer before going out on the stage.
John I. Jenkins[Pope Francis] has done this not through angry speeches, but through the powerful symbols and examples of embracing a badly deformed man, welcoming refugees to the Vatican, strolling through a shanty town in Rome, visiting a home for the elderly, washing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, and going to a hospital for newborns.
John I. Jenkins