Catholic Group Sues FBI, DOJ For Records Related To Leaked Memo Targeting Catholics
In response to the targeting of traditionalist Catholics, CatholicVote has filed a lawsuit against the FBI and DOJ for records related to a retracted memo. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday with Judicial Watch after the FBI and DOJ failed to comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by CatholicVote on March 8. According to the lawsuit, the FBI acknowledged the request on March 14 but stated that it would not be able to provide records within the typical 20-day timeline for FOIA requests due to “unusual circumstances.”
The failure of the FBI and DOJ to produce the requested records for over a month prompted CatholicVote to file the lawsuit. The organization’s press release states that “weaponized and corrupt government agencies have demonstrated a pattern of contempt for justice and the rule of law by prioritizing partisan ideology and agendas over the protection of the American people.” CatholicVote President Brian Burch further commented that the organization is “determined to uncover just how high up the anti-Catholic bigotry goes” and demanding transparency from the government.
The memo in question was circulated within the FBI’s Richmond, Virginia field office in January and revealed a plan to infiltrate groups of traditionalist Roman Catholics who prefer Latin mass. Whistleblower Kyle Seraphin disclosed this information in February, but the bureau quickly retracted the memo and announced that it would conduct an internal review. However, the lack of transparency and information regarding the review has prompted CatholicVote to take legal action.
The FBI and DOJ’s failure to comply with FOIA requests is not uncommon, with many government agencies struggling to respond within the allotted timeframe. The FOIA requires agencies to respond within 20 days to FOIA requests and grants them an additional 10 days for “unusual circumstances.” However, these timelines are often extended, and many FOIA requests go unanswered or produce incomplete records.
CatholicVote’s lawsuit is part of a larger trend of organizations and individuals using legal action to hold government agencies accountable for their lack of transparency and compliance with FOIA requests. This trend has become particularly relevant in recent years as concerns over government surveillance and abuse of power have grown.
The targeting of traditionalist Catholics has also been a controversial issue within the Catholic community, with many expressing concerns over the perceived marginalization of these groups within the Church. The memo’s alleged plan to infiltrate these groups has only heightened these concerns and prompted further calls for transparency and accountability.
In filing the lawsuit, CatholicVote is seeking to hold the FBI and DOJ accountable for their lack of transparency and failure to comply with FOIA requests. The organization’s efforts are part of a broader movement to ensure government agencies are transparent and accountable to the American people. As this movement continues to gain momentum, it is likely that we will see more legal action taken against government agencies that fail to comply with FOIA requests and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
