The Koran Blessing Stuff

Rorate gave us an update of this story here. It apparently wasn't as bad as initially reported, per the rector of the Cathedral:

First of all, the “Qu’ran blessed at California cathedral” was misconstrued and of course the event was not in the Cathedral building but merely on the steps allowing visibility from the square.

The term "blessed" has distinct meaning in our Catholic faith. There was no such action in that event. Unfortunately, the term which was used by a Presbyterian Minister and adopted by the media could be misunderstood. During the event some people went forward to place a rose on a table holding a copy of the Qu’ran which perhaps could mistakenly be seen by the unknowing as a "blessing." Also, it was stated that “During the ceremony, Father Michael Kiernan, rector of the cathedral, read from the Beatitudes.” I did not read anything and did not even participate in the event.

So there's that. There was this, though:

This was all the participation by the Catholic Church, except for a Franciscan priest from another parish, who read a short scripture passage.

Disturbing still. But not nearly to the degree we once thought. Our apologies to those not involved who were implicated without ever having participated.