The FBI recanted after one of its regional offices linked “radical traditionalist Catholic ideology” to racial extremism and violence.
The indictment was part of an internal report published Jan. 23 by the Richmond, Virginia-based FBI unit. The document was titled “Racially or Ethnicly Motivated Violent Extremists’ Interest in Radical-Traditionalist Catholic Ideology Almost Certainly Presents New Mitigation Opportunities”. The wording of the text suggests that agents may conduct investigative activities within these Catholic groups.
According to the report, traditionalist radical groups — which are supposed to pose a risk — reject the Second Vatican Council and, among other things, often adhere to “anti-immigrant, anti-LGBQT and white supremacist” ideologies.
The document also states that racist groups have sought to create connections with traditionalist Catholic organizations. “In making this assessment, FBI Richmond relied on the core presumption that racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist groups will continue to be attracted to Radical Traditionalist Catholic (RTC) ideology and will continue to attempt to connect with RTC adherents, both virtually through through social networks and in person in places of worship”, says the material.
The document, dated January 23, was disclosed this Wednesday (8) by Kyle Seraphin, an FBI agent who has been suspended from his post since last June.
The material specifically mentions nine Catholic groups throughout the United States. The report is based on allegations by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a leftist group that publishes a list of extremist groups and is often criticized for adopting inconsistent criteria. To the Daily SignalSeraphin stated that the SPLC was often treated as an unreliable source within the FBI.
In a statement to National Review, the FBI stated that the report “does not meet FBI standards of accuracy”. The body added that the document was quickly removed from the internal system and will be subject to an investigation.
The FBI further stated that it is committed to preventing acts of violence while protecting constitutional rights, and that it “will never conduct investigative activities or initiate an investigation based solely on activities protected by the First Amendment.” The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees, among other things, religious freedom.
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