June 20, 2004

Reader wants ‘columns of political nature’ banned

I was very glad to see that you included the Catholic News Service article “Church tax-exempt status creates pitfalls during election years” on page 1 (June 6 ETC). The two previous issues of our diocesan paper included unabashed political statements or columns such as Father John Rausch’s column “Choosing a president.”

I suggest that it is urgent that any additional columns of a political nature be totally banned immediately before political entanglement gets further out of hand. While I totally agree with four of the five letter writers (Phil Birge, Christine Lefebvre, Paul Barrette, and C. J. and Edith Louisell) in the June 6 issue, I suggest that some kind of editorial statement of policy be issued declaring that all columns of a political nature, as well as letters of a similar nature, shall be excluded from future issues of the ETC.

If this is not done without delay, the principal purposes for having a diocesan newspaper will be lost in the fog of politics and controversy. Most Americans have, at least since the election of President Kennedy, rejected religious affiliation as a test for eligibility for election to the presidency or other public office.

—Mark S. Grim Jr. Norris

What ‘must always be first’ in a Christian’s life

In reading the June 6 ETC, it struck me that some of us may need reminding that we are Catholics first. Am I a Catholic who happens to be a member of the Democratic or Republican party? Am I a Democrat or a Republican who happens to be Catholic? It seems to me that the very first commandment means that God and his principles must always be first in the life of a Christian. Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee once told me, “Catholics should be principled, not partisan.” This statement has had a profound impact in my life and how I view my personal politics.

In the recent ETC I read concern over loss of the tax-exempt status [for churches]. Let’s think about this. What is more important, saving money or standing up for moral principles? Hmmm. I wonder how Jesus considers issues regarding such choices. No matter how hard I think about Jesus’ words and examples, I cannot think of any place where he compromised his principles for the sake of money or even his life. Jesus says that we cannot “serve two masters . . . God and wealth” (Luke 16:13). In fact, Jesus went to death for his principles.

Should his bride, the church, choose differently? There is a parable about a group of virgins awaiting a bridegroom. Some let their lamps go out. Could this be anything like compromising principles and allowing the flock to wander aimlessly? When the groom did show up, we all know what happened to those who let their lamps go out. I hope our leaders look to Christ for their example even if this necessitates paying taxes.

In following Christ, enculturation of the faith is part of the church’s mission. Our church must promote and stand up for moral issues, even if unpopular. Out of loving concern for the well-being of God’s people, it must loudly and clearly encourage and admonish. Thus, it must take political stands to fight moral evils and develop proper consciences. It must protect fetuses. It must help members understand the differences in issues. We too have these obligations.

— Bob Ketteringham Kodak

Father Rausch’s love of his fellow man ‘uplifting’

When I read the letters to the editor in the June 6 ETC, I was reminded of those in the Bible who scoffed at Jesus because he dined with sinners. Phil Birge gave you the ultimatum to either discontinue Father Rausch’s column or remove Birge’s name from the mailing list. I hope you chose the latter. Dr. Patricia von Clef worries how we will be judged if we vote for an abortion-rights candidate. Probably the same way we will be judged for voting for a death-penalty advocate, a trigger-happy warmonger, or a social-programs opponent. The Lord’s mercy extends beyond ours, so follow your conscience. But remember, respecting life includes all life.

Most of us can get through the day without violating one of the Ten Commandments. The Great Commandment that Jesus gave is where we all fall short of perfection. Father Rausch appears to love his fellow man so much that he consistently sticks his neck out for “the least of his brothers.” Personally, I find that uplifting. He didn’t endorse abortions. He merely asked us to consider all issues. So to you, Father Rausch, I say “right on, write on!”

— Kathy Oliver Maryville

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