Like Reed and the Christian Coalition, Frank J. Hanna III is associated with the right-wing Legion of Christ, a multinational group of "orthodox" Catholic clergy known for fund-raising successes and an affinity for evangelizing the rich and powerful.
Mr. Hanna is also serving on President Bush’s Commission on Hispanic Education, helped form several religious schools, and was once a Truman Scholar.
The Wall St. Journal ran an article on January 23, 2006, noting critics who argue that the Legion's "focus on the wealthy reinforces the sharp class divides that have long held Latin America back socially and economically. They say the Legion fosters intolerance and social climbing rather than devotion to Christ's gospel. Some in Mexico, instead of referring to the order's followers as Legionnaires of Christ, call them the 'Millionaires of Christ.'"
The Legion has been banned in three U.S. dioceses and has been successful in only two -- Sacramento, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Here in Atlanta, the Legion made front page news when they took control of the Donnellan School in Buckhead (now known as Holy Spirit Prep) by having police escort the Principal and two other administrators out of the building in the middle of a school day and in full view of horrified and weeping elementary school students.
Hanna's most touted charity is the Solidarity School located off Roswell Road, near I-285.
Hanna is also well-known for his leadership in a group of nominal American Catholics who, among other activities, encouraged their bishops to refuse communion to presidential candidate, John Kerry, in order to further their aspirations for the new American imperialism.
It is this mutual willingness to abuse the label "Christian" which sets Reed and Hanna apart from other political operatives.
(This article contains additional reporting by Matthew Cardinale, Editor, Atlanta Progressive News.)
About the Author:
Betty Clermont is a Staff Writer for Atlanta Progressive News. She may be reached at betty@atlantaprogressivenews.com
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