Minister apologizes to Catholics; some question if politics behind it

Published: 2008-05-16

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- After the Rev. John Hagee, a San Antonio televangelist, sent a letter to the head of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights apologizing for any comments he made "that Catholics have found hurtful," the league's president, William Donohue, said that "the case is closed." Other Catholic leaders said the gesture toward reconciliation should be graciously accepted but that there was a ring of partisan political maneuvering to the publicity about Rev. Hagee's anti-Catholic rhetoric and the apology. The words of the minister, the pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, became an issue because of his endorsement of a presidential candidate. Richard R. Gaillardetz, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Toledo in Ohio, said while Rev. Hagee's May 12 letter "goes beyond the garden variety 'I'm sorry if someone was offended' apology," the way the controversy has played out seems to have political motivations in addition to concern for decrying anti-Catholicism. When presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain received a highly publicized endorsement by Rev. Hagee, Donohue blasted the Arizona senator for seeking the support of someone who "has waged an unrelenting war against the Catholic Church." McCain has condemned Rev. Hagee's remarks but has continued to say he's glad to have his endorsement.

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