Well, Russ - there are those who think that it was morally wrong for Europeans to settle in the Americas. If it truly was morally wrong, then I suppose Serra shouldn't be considered for sainthood.
I don't hold that view. I think that Europeans did much that was harmful and immoral when they came here - but I cannot agree that the very fact of their settlement was wrong.

Serra built missions in California and did much to help the natives. I have yet to see any evidence that anything he did was oppressive.

Who's backing Serra for sainthood? Well, there are a number of groups, particularly the Serra Club and the Knights of Columbus.

-Joe Offer-