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Letter to the editors of
The Telegram & Gazette and
The Catholic Free Press
(It did get printed.) Regarding the story "Protest planned outside
cathedral" (9-14-2000): For decades duplicitous politicians have insisted on a
dichotomy between themselves and their office; that they be allowed a moral firewall
between their persons and their legislative actions, expressed as "I’m
personally opposed to abortion, but…" This week Ray Delisle, speaking for Bishop
Reilly, maintains that Senator Kennedy and company are invited to the bishop’s
anniversary Mass "based on the office they hold, and not their personal
views"— a variation, however unintentional, of the "personally
opposed" formula.
To suggest that a politician is not benefited, especially during an election year, by a
public invitation from and an appearance with a prince of the Church is very naïve.
Moreover, such occasions are the rule, not the exception. Pro-abortion politicians have
received faculty positions and honorary degrees at Catholic colleges; they were in the
front row at Cardinal Law’s anniversary Mass; there have been scores of photo-ops
with bishops; and they occupy ministerial positions within parishes such as lector and
catechism teacher.
When Church officials have the will, politicians guilty of grave offenses can be
excommunicated. For example, Louisiana politician and a staunch segregationist Leander
Perez was excommunicated in 1962. By contrast, today the political patrons of the greatest
holocaust of all time are not only allowed the sacraments, they are invited.
— William Cotter |