Editorial

Church teaching: Rises above politics

Pope John Paul II and Catholic bishops in the United States and throughout the world have spoken out forcefully for peace and against war, including the current conflict in Iraq.

Their voices have been clear and strong. I have been proud to be a member of the Catholic Church with leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth and challenge world leaders to make conscientious moral decisions.

Political spin. It is interesting to watch how the media and others attempt to put a political "spin" on what the pope and bishops have said. Because the pope and bishops oppose war, these observers act as if the church leaders are now in the so-called "liberal" political camp.

What they don't understand is that church teaching rises above politics of the "left" or the "right." Church leaders provide guidance for members of the church and society as a whole to help them make decisions to benefit the common good.

Role of laity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church clarifies this distinction: "It is not the role of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly in the political structuring and organization of social life. This task is part of the vocation of the lay faithful, acting on their own initiative with their fellow citizens."

The Catechism goes on to explain how this action should be accomplished by the laity, "It should always have the common good in view and be in conformity with the message of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church. It is the role of the laity 'to animate temporal realities with Christian commitment, by which they show that they are witnesses and agents of peace and justice.'" (CCC, par. 2442)

This means that Catholic lay people as citizens - by voting, holding elective office, making laws, and governing countries - must make decisions based on input from the pope and bishops and other forms of church teaching. In essence, we must make conscientious choices and act according to those choices.

Can't be "cafeteria Catholics." But it also means that we cannot be "cafeteria Catholics." We should not "pick and choose" which church teachings we follow. Our Catholic faith teaches a consistent ethic of life, from womb to tomb. This includes opposition to abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and war in most cases.

Yes, there can be some justification for taking life to save another or to defend oneself or one's country. However, the church teaches that the principle of respect for life should take precedence whenever possible.

Pay attention. The Holy Father and the U.S. bishops have urged countries of the world to settle their conflicts peacefully. They have given us their guidance. How that is translated into politics/actions is up to the citizens and leaders of these countries.

Church teaching rises above politics to reach for the greatest good for all people. If only everyone would pay attention, we might have a more just and peaceful world.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

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To the editor:

Many years ago when the "Roe vs. Wade" bill was passed, I was silent because I had a prosperous husband and four perfect children, so I would never need an abortion. When abortions became a popular choice, I was silent because my perfect daughters would never have an abortion.

When pro-lifers began to protest, I was silent, because this situation was none of my business. When abortion on demand became the norm, I was silent, because my daughters were now married and I had no concerns. Still, when I had no grandchildren, I was silent, because this was my daughters' choice.

When the "assisted suicide" bill was passed in Oregon, I was silent, because I did not live in Oregon. When I was old and "useless" and the "euthanasia bill" passed in my state, and "they came to get me," I was no longer silent. But there was no one listening.

Are you listening? Are you silent? Is this really possible? I'm afraid so!

Sharon Gaffney, Beloit

Bush didn't present iron-clad case for war

To the editor:

In his March 6 article in The Catholic Herald, Douglas Kmiec attempts to justify the Bush administration's pending war with Iraq. He says that, although Bush hasn't shared any classified information with us, we should trust him to engage us in a war simply because he "believes it is just." Much like the Germans followed Hitler into World War II, I suppose. Any leader, before engaging in a war that will plunge the nation into debt and expend its most precious natural resource, its young men and women, must present an ironclad case to the people. This Bush hasn't done.

In the first place the administration freely admits that Iraq doesn't possess any nuclear weapons. As for any biological weapons, it would be helpful if the administration was honest with the American people by acknowledging our part in providing them to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war.

Secondly, there is no evidence that Saddam Hussein aided or abetted Al Qaida in the attack of Sept. 11. Given the divergence of views between Osama bin Laden and Hussein it is unlikely that any alliance exists. Let's hope that George W. Bush's actions thus far haven't changed that.

Ironically, Kmiec invokes St. Augustine when he says that the state has a "moral duty" to defend its people. Having failed that on Sept. 11, 2001 are we expected to trust the Bush administration now?

As attractive as "regime change" in Iraq may sound, it will not be easy. Many lives will be lost. Most, but not all, will be innocent Iraqis. One has to wonder how many lives Kmiec is willing to sacrifice in a Bush war.

Jerome Joyce, Madison

Ruling is victory for pro-life activism

To the editor:

Pro-life supporters are encouraged by the recent eight to one U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Washington, D.C., which handed a victory for pro-life activism.

There is a need to support pro-life leader, Joseph Scheidler, director of the Pro-Life Action League, in his prediction that "active and peaceful support for human life will continue at clinics." He envisions peaceful pro-life actions as prayer vigils and sidewalk counseling.

During the hours when the clinics are open, it is vital that pro-life counselors be present to speak to the individuals and family members regarding planned/scheduled abortions. The goals are to save human lives, to avoid suffering for the mother, and to encourage mothers to reconsider.

The U.S. Supreme Court victory for Scheidler and for pro-life people across the country clearly refutes the lie of widespread violence at abortion clinics. Too often, the abortion industry and much of the media focus on the infrequent violence and omit the ongoing peaceful activity.

Thousands of pro-life activists across the country peacefully come to these abortion clinics to pray, to witness, and to counsel for life. Restated, the goal of pro-life activists is to peacefully promote and to protect human life from conception (fertilization) to natural death.

C. Landry, Beloit

Primary concern in voting is life

To the editor:

How can any issue stated by Katherine Brophy (Catholic Herald, March 13 issue) be even compared to the abortion issue?

My primary concern when I vote is "life." To abort a baby according to my Catholic faith is the taking of a human life. A vote for a pro-abortion candidate is a vote condoning this horrific act.

I pray for people of my faith who find excuses to criticize others only to ease their own misunderstood minds.

Vote for these pro-abortion candidates - but please don't call yourself a Catholic.

Mary Schlitz, Madison

Will pope's actions be debated after war?

To the editor:

When the Iraq situation is resolved one way or the other, isn't it likely that the actions of Pope John Paul II during the Iraq crisis will be as controversial and debatable as were the actions of Pope Pius XII during World War II? Only will it be the Kurds, the Shiites, the Chaldean Catholics, instead of the Jews, who will be investigating and seeking the truth in deeds?

Because of religious persecutions and executions 200,000 Chaldean Catholics have fled Iraq to enter the U.S.A. How many more have fled to other countries? Probably we will never know the extent of atrocities committed against the Kurds and the Shiites.

Will the Chaldean Catholics, Kurds, and Shiites feel that they were deserted by the papacy? Only time will tell.

Charles J. Sippel, Waterloo