Editorial: Joe Feuerherd’s Attack on Deal Hudson: Who is ‘Dealing from the Bottom of the Deck?’

Catholic Online ^ | 2/5/10 | Deacon Keith Fournier

[tcg]

.....Joe Feuerherd’s scurrilous article did not respond to the issues raised by the claims of the Reform CCHD NOW Coalition concerning John Carr. It did not seek to refute the points raised in the articles in question. It did not even attempt to defend John Carr, at least beyond a brief reference to his skills and Feuerherd’s assertion that the claims in the articles are “calumnies”. These would have all been an entirely appropriate use of Feuerherd’s journalistic platform as the Editor in Chief of a Newspaper which bears the name “Catholic”.

Instead, he used this newest controversy as another opportunity to try to personally destroy Dr. Deal Hudson’s reputation, hurt his family, demoralize his staff, and undermine his work. He brought up past matters in a manner which directly contravened the clear examples of everything the Catechism paragraphs cited above address.

He personally attacked Dr. Deal Hudson in a manner which appears to have been intended to harm him, his reputation and his future. By writing and publishing this article, Joe Feuerherd, a Catholic himself, also ended up questioning some of the basic premises of our shared Catholic faith. For example, the efficacy of sacramental absolution and the authority of the Church in matters concerning the marriage bond.

After reading this latest piece - on top of his past article which precipitated my February of 2009 response - I have come to a conclusion. Joe Feuerherd is attempting to destroy the reputation of a fellow Catholic Christian, Dr. Deal Hudson. He is intentionally trying to hurt a friend of mine, and hurt his family. That is why I must oppose his efforts. His recent article is not journalism, it may even be sin. Ironically, it is Joe Feuerherd who is “dealing from the bottom of the deck."

[tcg]

This recent article is not journalism, it may even be sin. Ironically, it is Joe Feuerherd who is 'dealing from the bottom of the deck.'

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thanks for posting this. God bless Deacon Keith. I hadn't been aware of what Feuerherd was writing about Hudson concerning the John Carr controversy.

It's also a good reminder for me not to engage in rash judgment, detraction and calumny (which are blood sports around here, and ones I tend to have a weakness for --- I am ashamed to say).

These sins do far more damage to souls, and to the community, than we realize.

I need to send this on to somebody in my diocese!

[SuziQ]

These sins do far more damage to souls, and to the community, than we realize.

Too sadly true, Mrs. Don-o!