Column twists Catholics’ concerns about Pope Ratzinger

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Vince Myers’s opinion column, “Don't expect Catholic pope to advocate liberal ideals,” on Friday, greatly distorted the viewpoints of many Catholics.

Liberal Catholics do not expect the new pope, or any pope, to advocate liberal ideas. We are afraid that the new pope will purge all moderate and liberal voices in the Church who have different opinions about issues like the ordination of women, an enlightened teaching on sexuality and birth control and an end to the shameful dehumanization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics. And we have good reason to be afraid: Just last week the editor of the Catholic magazine America was forced out of his job for allowing debate on issues that the Vatican feels should not be discussed.

One of the most important theologians of the 20th century put it best when he said: “In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; in all things love.” This particular Catholic was purged from the Church by then-Cardinal Ratzinger.

Liberal Catholics are concerned about a pope who will destroy the freedoms of speech and conscience in our church. This is no reason to lampoon us.

Tom Keating

Marysville senior

Political science

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