Letter to the Editor from Canton, GA

Published: August 19, 2004

To the Editor:

We are grateful to Archbishop (John F.) Donoghue, as well as Bishop (Robert) Baker and Bishop (Peter) Jugis, for clearly and boldly articulating their position on the evolving controversy regarding Catholic public officials’ pro-abortion stance and the resulting state of grave sin that precludes them from receiving holy Communion.

Some public officials may be sincere in their belief that their official public actions should not be influenced by their privately held religious beliefs, nor that they be held personally accountable for their official public actions that are contrary to church teaching on abortion. This, however, is a serious and intolerable contradiction. By boldly and unequivocally proclaiming a firm stand on this utmost important issue, the faithful are encouraged to follow (the) bishops’ example, recognizing that we are all obligated to proclaim the truth and to instruct the misguided.

Though unpopular to many, we should expect and hope for nothing less than the truth be boldly proclaimed by our shepherds. We offer Archbishop Donoghue, Bishop Baker and Bishop Jugis our sincere appreciation for not disappointing the faithful and for fulfilling the profound obligation entrusted to them.

Theresa and David Brower, Canton