The following letters to the editor appear in the edition of Oct. 7, 2004. Letters appearing in this space do not necessarily reflect the views of the Arlington Catholic Herald or the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. The editor reserves the right to edit letters as necessary. There is no guarantee of publication. Send letters to: letters@catholicherald.com.

No Compromise on Abortion

While distance prevented me from attending "Public Witness/Public Scandal," some of the quotes attributed to those attending were very problematic ("Beyond Partisan Politics" ACH 9/23/04). Jesuit Father John Langan noted that a compromise must be reached on the issue of abortion in order to "maintain unity in society at large," so as to avoid "civil disobedience and violence." Were the horrors of slavery to return to our country, who would propose a "compromise" on the issue in order to "keep the peace?" If so, what use was the Civil Rights Movement? Reaching a middle-of-the-road "consensus" on abortion in our country will do nothing to stop this act of violence against mothers and their children.

The Clinton administration made it virtually impossible, through the enforcement of F.A.C.E. and R.I.C.O. statutes, for pro-lifers to perform peaceful acts of civil disobedience in order to save lives outside the killing centers. Are we really to be more concerned about "social unity" than the devastating physical, emotional and spiritual consequences of abortion?

Ken Woodward was tragically correct in asserting that abortion is deeply ingrained into the societal structure of our culture. What boggles the mind is his claim that women and men "need abortion to ensure the safety of pre-marital sex." Rampant pornography, sky-rocketing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, increased cohabitation and divorce — so what exactly is it about pre-marital sex that is made "safe" by abortion?

Father Richard John Neuhaus’ closing words spoke the truth: "Abortion is intrinsically evil."

Patricia M. L. Johnson
Morgantown, W.Va.

Breath of Fresh Air

The comments of Father George Coyne as referenced in "Creative Tension: Omnipotence of God vs. Dynamism of a Universe" (ACH 9/30/04) are a breath of fresh air for the thought processes that they represent. This thinking is relevant to the continuing healthy interplay of mythos and logos in religious heritage.

In a world where narrow fundamentalist theological interpretations can cause significant social chaos, what can mainstream religions do to promote peace and civility on a more than temporary basis? My feeling is that continuing, evolving interpretation of theological thought based on our increasing empirical knowledge of the universe is a necessary and responsible use of religious talent. This, I believe, is not being done enough today. The greater the understanding of the basic truths that are out there, the more alternatives to narrow fundamentalist precepts are presented to an increasingly educated populace of believers and non-believers. There has always been a tension between science and theology. This need not be. Father Coyne's thinking helps bring both disciplines closer together, benefiting both and doing a tremendous service to mankind in these tumultuous times.

Dennis P. Van Derlaske
Woodbridge

With the recent hurricanes and disasters that have had a drastic impact on so many during the past few weeks, there is a tremendous need for our prayers. Having recently been appointed by Bishop Paul S. Loverde to serve as the director of Diocesan Charities, I am learning about how to make recommendations to the bishop regarding the diocesan response to such tragedies. For example, the Catholic community always prays for people in need without waiting for direction from the diocese. But deciding whether a specific disaster warrants that each parish take up a special collection, or whether an article in the Arlington Catholic HERALD suffices to publicize the extent of the disaster, or how best to direct donors to suitable efforts to support the disaster victims all requires some examination of past practices.

The need for financial assistance persists in the wake of the hurricanes and tornadoes of this season. U.S. domestic relief is being coordinated by Catholic Charities USA. Contributions to support emergency and long-term disaster recovery efforts in affected areas may be sent to Catholic Charities USA and sent to: Catholic Charities USA, 2004 Summer Hurricanes, P.O. Box 25168, Alexandria, Va. 22313-9788; or call 1-800-919-9338; or go to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org for more information.

International relief for countries such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic is coordinated by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Checks payable to CRS, with Haiti written in the memo line, can be sent to: 209 W. Fayette St., Baltimore, Md. 21201. For more information call 1-800-CALL-CRS, or visit www.catholicrelief.org.

Members of the Arlington Diocese have always been very generous in helping with disaster relief, both domestic and international, and we are grateful for continued spiritual and financial support.

Stephen Luteran
Director of Diocesan Charities

Stop Making Excuses

I am writing in response to two letters that appeared recently in your paper, "Baptized Democrats?" (ACH 9/30/04) and "Moral vs. Judgmental" (ACH 9/30/04). Both of these letters proclaimed that the writers were voting for Bush and seemed to use abortion as their only (or main) line of reasoning. The sad truth of the matter is that voting for someone who condones the death penalty is just as bad.

Is it right to kill children? Of course not. Should we have more disdain for the killing of children than convicted criminals? Naturally. However, how many people actually believe that every person in this country that has ever been executed was guilty? The law of averages says it is not a full proof procedure and the risk of taking one innocent life at the expense of a thousand guilty ones is wrong.

The cold hard fact of the matter is that there is no correct political party for Catholics. Therefore I will not be voting in this election despite the fact that I am told it is my moral responsibility. I choose not to support anyone who is in favor of killing anyone else. There is only one Alpha and Omega, only one giver and taker of life. So please stop making excuses for either candidate. They are both sickening.

Pete Ingerick
Woodbridge

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