Is Wal-Mart Expansion A 'Moral' Issue?

Some parishioners in Southern California complain that priests should not be involved in fight Wal-Mart's expansion in their communities.

1 minute read

October 31, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

A Catholic priest encourages efforts to fight a planned Wal-Mart expansion in Rosemean, California.

" 'This is not what I go to church for,' " said Mary Ellen Dundas, 58, a Mission San Gabriel parishioner, who ... has written a letter of complaint to Cardinal Roger M. Mahony. 'This is not a moral issue. When I go to church, I go to be uplifted, to get what I need to move on to the next week. I don't want to hear that I'm a sinner for supporting Wal-Mart'..."

Local residents and politicians question whether the Church is crossing the thin line between Church and State. "The dispute underscores the passions boiling over as the retail giant attempts to expand its presence in Los Angeles County. Wal-Mart has been trying for more than a year to open a Supercenter which sells groceries as well as items available at regular Wal-Marts in the county."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Clerics Speak Out on Wal-Mart

Saturday, October 30, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

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