Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Tuesday, November 8, 2005 5:30 p.m. -- Attend 10th annual Catholic Charities Award Ceremony, Marriott Madison West Hotel, Middleton Wednesday, November 9, 2005 7:00 p.m. -- Preside at the Sacrament of Confirmation, All Saints Parish, Berlin Thursday, November 10, 2005 7:30 p.m. -- Preside at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Bridget Parish, Ridgeway Bishop William H. Bullock Saturday, November 5, 2005 5:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish (includes St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Briggsville), Portage Sunday, November 6, 2005 11:15 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison Tuesday, November 8, 2005 5:30 p.m. -- Attend 10th annual Catholic Charities Award Ceremony, Marriott Madison West Hotel, Middleton Wednesday, November 9, 2005 7:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Francis Xavier Parish (includes St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Johnson Creek), Lake Mills Bishop George O. Wirz Tuesday, November 8, 2005 5:30 p.m. -- Attend 10th annual Catholic Charities Award Ceremony, Marriott Madison West Hotel, Middleton

Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino There is no column by Bishop Robert C. Morlino this week.

Bishop Morlino: Clarifies appointment to Board of Visitors

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Bishop Robert C. Morlino clarified his decision to accept an appointment to the Board of Visitors for the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) (what used to be the School of the Americas).

	Related articles: Oct. 13, 2005 edition: • Bishop Robert C. Morlino issues clarification regarding appointment Sept. 29, 2005 edition: • Bishop Morlino: Appointed to national board by Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army

The bishop discussed the appointment in an interview with Brian Kelly of Relevant Radio (1240 AM). The Catholic Herald was provided with a transcript of that interview to share portions of it with readers of the diocesan newspaper.

An appointment

Bishop Morlino explained that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army made the appointment to WHINSEC in dialogue with the Military Archdiocese.

"It was an appointment," emphasized Bishop Morlino. "No communication was sent out to every bishop saying 'Would you volunteer for this.' It would have never struck me to volunteer for this.

"I knew about the allegations historically regarding the School of the Americas. I didn't know where in Georgia it was. I wouldn't have seen myself as having a particular background to do that (serve on the Board of Visitors)."

Bishop Morlino said he believes his background in moral theology and his "willingness to stand up and speak the mind of the church clearly" were qualifications that were being sought for this appointment.

Serving his country

Bishop Morlino had said his initial reaction of surprise to the appointment "was utterly true." During the time of Vietnam he was not subject to the draft because he was in the seminary, so he said the chief way he has served his country is by paying taxes.

"This was an opportunity to serve my country by providing expertise in terms of an evaluation of an institution in the areas of morality and justice," he said.

"What better call could a bishop have in terms of having an impact on our culture and changing the world for the better to be on such an outside evaluation board."

Media coverage

Bishop Morlino commented on media coverage of his appointment. In particular he pointed to a Madison weekly newspaper, the Isthmus, whose reporting style he "would call libelous."

The newspaper referred to his membership on the board of WHINSEC. "That made it seem that somehow I was joining the WHINSEC community," Morlino pointed out. "I have never spoken to a member of the WHINSEC community. To state that I am appointed to a board of WHINSEC means to people that I am part of the WHINSEC community.

"It is called the Board of Visitors. The Associated Press and Capital Times used the term 'advisory board.' That is partially true and partially false. Those to whom we give advice are the members of the Congress of the United States.

"You're an outsider to the community visiting it. Our board is a board of outsiders - some are military but they are outsiders of WHINSEC - they are outsiders charged to evaluate the policies and practices of WHINSEC vis-a-vis genuine human morality and justice."

Not manipulated

Bishop Morlino emphasized that he does not believe he is being manipulated. "If I thought for a minute that someone were trying to manipulate me personally, I would not accept this. If I thought someone were manipulating the Office of the Bishop, I would be furious and I would never cooperate."

He noted that this external review board includes Senator Carl Levin and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. "I don't think either of them are about to be manipulated to serve evil purposes.

"Everyone on the Board of Visitors is looking for what is right and true. I have assurances from the Military Archdiocese and from the Department of Defense that the Board of Visitors are really expected to lead this institution in the right direction and to correct problems where problems exist. Our report is to the Congress which can take concrete action."

Bishop Morlino also pointed out that another member of the Board of Visitors is Fr. Cletus Kiley from the U.S. Bishops Conference and a philosophy professor at Notre Dame. "It seems as if the Catholic perspective on justice and morality is very welcome," said Bishop Morlino.

"I am concerned that the truth be clarified. I have my first board meeting at WHINSEC in early December. I need to experience the reality there of being a member of the Board of Visitors.

"Please pray for me and give me the benefit of the doubt for the time being. I will be happy to talk with everyone of my first impressions once I have been there."

Bishop Morlino said he will be willing to talk with the secular and religious media after that meeting.