Kenneth Hulshof, Catholic, and Archbishop Burke

Another Post-Dispatch Letter to Editor writer has questions...

Hulshof silent on important issues

In a polished presentation, the congressman emphasized three points: that he and his wife were members of a certain Catholic church; that he opposed abortion; and that he opposed gun control. Not one word was devoted to any other issue.

Nothing, for example, on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, environment, stem-cell research, women's rights, national defense, government funding of religious institutions, the exploding national debt (private and public) or the unconscionable gap in income and wealth between the top 2 percent and the bottom 20 percent of our nation's population.

Cynics would argue that the congressman was simply honoring the dictum that the easiest votes to get are single-issue voters. Nevertheless, his silence on the important issues comes in stark contrast to the themes he had chosen.

If Congressman Hulshof wishes to exploit his Catholic credentials, does he not have a corresponding obligation to all his constituents to identify clearly where he advocates policies which contradict the desires of the conservatives who control the Vatican? This question gains special relevance now that the archbishop of St. Louis, Raymond Burke, has decreed that Catholic lawmakers who support abortion rights, euthanasia or the death penalty shall not receive Communion until they publicly renounce such views.

I have yet to hear Archbishop Burke state that support for capital punishment precludes one from receiving Holy Communion. As a matter of fact, Dr. Arthur Hippler, Archbishops Burke's Director of Justice and Peace, in the Diocese of LaCrosse, has written extensively on this subject. The confusion of the letter writer might be cleared up by reading these articles. Also Archbishop Burke proposes that there is a disconnect of sorts when he says:

Our consistent stance on the dignity of all human life is not understood by some. Many understand our care for the poor and the marginalized, but they part company with us in our defense of innocent and defenseless life in the womb. They will stand with us against capital punishment, but not against procured abortion or euthanasia. *

Since the proper role of religion lies in being a critic of government and not as a participant in government, may we ask Hulshof two more questions?

The proper role of religion is to be a critic of government? Now we understand your dilemma. The role proper to religion is to offer praise and glory to God and to help mankind reach eternal happiness with God.

When religious leaders take advantage of the shield of our laws in order to oppose or endorse particular candidates, should not churches and church schools then forfeit their tax exemption as well as the ability of donors to deduct contributions from their income and estate taxes?

Another confusion in the mind of Mr. Meyer. The Catholic Church does not oppose nor endorse political candidates for office. The Church reminds the faithful of their duties with respect to the teachings of Christ, to be mindful of the responsibilities they have to participate wisely in choosing political leaders.

Since Archbishop Burke is following instructions from Rome, should he not register with our federal authorities as a foreign lobbyist?

Donald Meyer
Labadie

Finally, we reach the apex of Mr. Meyer's thinking. His view of Archbishop Burke as a 'patsy' of Rome, rather than as a successor of the Apostles, a disicple of Christ, and a shepherd of the faithful, is seriously flawed and is indicative of a warped view of reality.

Christ, have mercy on us!

* A Pastoral Letter to Christs's Faithful of the Diocese of LaCrosse
On the Dignity of Human Life and Civic Responsibility
The Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Bishop of LaCrosse
November 23, 2003