Skrmetti Joins Letter Sent To FBI

Tennessee’s Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined 19 other state attorneys general on Monday as they sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The attorneys general were expressing concern and condemning an “anti-Catholic” memorandum that was created by an FBI analyst in Virginia, which identified certain Catholics as potential threats because of their religious beliefs. The memorandum targeted those Catholics who prefer a traditional Latin mass and also those who are skeptical of the actions of the Second Vatican Council, and those Catholics who have criticized the Pope. The memorandum also distinguishes between what the FBI deems acceptable and unacceptable Catholic beliefs and practices. The attorney’s general also say The memorandum suggests that the Catholic church includes “radical traditionalists” who could be “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists.” The FBI is disavowing the document and says they are launching an internal review. Virginia’s attorney general took the lead on crafting the letter which was signed by attorneys general in states like Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas in addition to Tennessee.