#lwcr

An Announcement

People have written to me, some demonizing the Holy See and U.S. bishops. Others are condemning the sisters. Both are wrong and wrong-headed. This is an ecclesial issue and it is being handled in the way of the Catholic Church. How sad it would be if we were to fall into the trap of increasing division in the Church when we are concerned with so rich a treasure as religious life. How wrong it is, and how contrary to the words and spirit of the Second Vatican Council, if we were to dismiss or ridicule the sincere commitment to an ecclesial conversation on the part of Roman offices and bishops who have been charged to fulfill this responsibility by the Vicar of Christ and the supreme pastor of the universal Church, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. There is too much bickering, name calling and partisanship in our American society. Sadly it has infected some members of the Church in their attitude to the Church, her teaching, her leaders and her responsibilities. As your pastor who loves the Church and knows you love the Church, I plead with one and all to respect her, and in your love, to respect all those who are participants in this delicate and important dialogue.