Replies

The Pope is infallable only when he issues statements ex cathedra, meaning from the seat of authority. It is not used often.

Below is a copy of a letter I sent to my church (I am Catholic) after a letter from Cardinal Egan was read during the Homily as well as some comments by the Priest. I sent this to my Pastor and the Associate Priest. Names withheld.

March 3, 2003

Dear Msgr. _______and Fr. ____:

I am a huge fan and supporter of the ___________ Church and all that you do for the Community. However, I need to convey my great disappointment regarding Sunday’s Homily. I apologize in advance if I am being too forward, but need to communicate my frustration.

My family and I attended ____ Mass. After a really inspiring homily, some additional comments were made as well as the letter from Cardinal Egan was read, regarding the situation in Iraq. Of course, all Christians are against War. War involves killing, which is an anathema to our beliefs. However, there are times where War is necessary to stop an even larger evil and to liberate an oppressed people. The attempt by the Catholic Church to undermine the United States’ effort to remove weapons of mass destruction form the hands of a madman is very troubling, and, in my view, inappropriate.

I can accept when the Pope tries to find a peaceful resolution. Of course, instead of trying to pressure Hussein to step down and go into exile, the Church goes after the US policies. However, when the Church’s support of the anti-war movement finds its way into our Homilies and into letters from our Cardinal, I cannot sit by idly as my Church attacks my Governments policies.

As we all know (none of this is disputed), Saddam is a mass murderer (he has killed over 1 million of his own people), who has no tolerance for our faith, who routinely tortures his enemies, who has no respect whatsoever for human life, who has invaded neighboring countries on two different occasions. He has made a mockery of the UN and of the US. Yet, somehow, the anti-war groups, some European countries who benefit economically from their ties with Iraq, and the Church feel that the US is a greater threat that needs to be stopped.

What is a good Catholic American to do? Accept the statements of their Cardinal and Priests and support the anti-war movement, even if they are contrary to their strongly held beliefs as an American, or interpret the statements by the Church on political issues as beyond the Church’s spiritual teachings, and merely of political commentary? I hope it is the latter.

Sincerely,