April 2, 2003
"The whole truth"
Editor,
Thank you and congratulations for publishing the article in The Catholic Difference section, ‘Boundary Violations’ by your worthy columnist, George Weigel. His column stated the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth bluntly, especially in the mouthpiece of the Archdiocese of Newark. There was no mincing of words or coaching or euphemism. So far for me it is the only article in the Catholic media that has stated truthfully the so-called “sex scandal” that has erupted in bloom after being nurtured for more than 40 years. Too many generations have been damaged. We cannot afford business as usual.

Freedom and liberty have gone to our heads. We have taken them for granted and do not know how to use them responsibly: we the people - professionals, hierarchy, parents, teachers, etc. The burden is greater for those with more responsibility.

We have to admit that we are stunted with self-indulgence and self-satisfaction and sex obsession in our free country, including Christ’s Church. We are here, co-followers of Christ, to oppose immoral cultures that are upsetting our faith.

This area of concern of our Church must be analyzed completely and properly, discussed honestly without psychobabble and resolved forthrightly without cover-ups.

Joseph Jackson

Rationalizing
Editor,
After years of pro-life work, I have encountered many Catholics who attempt to minimize the gravity of abortion by weighing it against other important social issues—capital punishment, poverty, unemployment, etc.

Although all social ills should demand the respect and equal attention of all faithful Catholics, abortion is an exclusive issue. Archbishop Charles Chaput recently reminded Denver Catholics that abortion is separated from other social issues by a difference in kind, not a difference in degree.

The hard truth is quite simple: every abortion kills an unborn human life, every time. No matter what kind of mental gymnastics we use, elective killing has no excuse. We only implicate ourselves by trying to provide one. As long as Catholics nationwide continue to “rationalize” their votes for pro-abortion politicians, this evil will continue.

Jeanne Andriuzzi

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