At least Governor Noem found some local talent for the Department of Social Services. But in swiftly picking Matt Althoff to replace Laurie Gill to run the Department of Social Services, Noem goes for both theocracy and Republican machine legacy politics:
Matt Althoff has served the Diocese of Sioux Falls for the past 15 years, including for the past 13 years as chancellor. He assisted Bishop Swain in developing the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, an outreach to homeless in the Sioux Falls area. He has also worked extensively with the administration of several social ministries carried out by or sponsored by the Church, including those involving education, healthcare, feeding, emergency shelter, and housing.
…Matt’s uncle and godfather, James Ellenbecker, served in the role of Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services under Governors Janklow, Mickelson, Miller, and Rounds. Matt hopes to reflect some of the same charisms that his “Uncle Jim” shared during his tenure in office [Office of the Governor, press release, 2022.12.30].
Charisms—there’s a word you don’t hear much in government press releases. According to the Catechism of Althoff’s Catholic Church, a charism is “A specific gift or grace of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefits the Church, given in order to help a person live our the Christian life, or to serve the common good in building up the Church” [p. 870]. We should probably watch Althoff to use Noem’s gift to build up the Catholic Church on the taxpayers’ dollar.
Today, the goal of the New Apostolic Reformation, cult member Ginni Thomas, the Council for National Policy and others in the Republican Party is to use the packed Supreme Court of the United States to undo constitutional rights. Dominion theology proposes that christians must control the seven “mountains” of government, education, media, arts and entertainment, religion, family, and business in order to establish a global christian theocracy and prepare the world for Jesus’ return.
Miranda Gohn is right about one thing: South Dakota is no longer safe for Democrats or for people with gender dysphoria. Flee now before Republicans have you beaten or killed.
I thought his Uncle, James Ellenbecker always did the most with the least amount of human and fiscal resources. Wish the nephew well…it is a huge job.
Well, you know you have to have someone with ties to the Catholic Mafia.
The untold story is the crap Mr. Althoff pulled behind the scenes to ramrod the Dudley House into a neighborhood that didn’t want it than blame others when the gig was up. His appointment is a very bad thing for the state. Hopefully this time the curtain will be pulled back on this dude.
Charism is only used in the New Testament. St. Paul defines it as “manifestation of the spirit for profit”. So your right Cory.