Real Unity

Regarding “Standing Up (And Not Kneeling) For the Church” (Jan. 26-Feb. 1):

I had been waiting for the publication of the new General Instruction of the Roman Missal with hopeful anticipation. Unfortunately, it appears that rather than restoring elements of our traditional liturgical roots, it continues the process of minimizing the Mass.

Particularly troubling is the prohibition of kneeling for Communion and discouraging genuflecting prior to receiving. I personally do not receive Communion on my knees; however, prohibiting that posture seems to be tainted as a sort of punitive measure against a certain group of conservative Catholics. Ironically, we are told that it is for the sake of unity.

If the concept of “unity” is to be plausible, perhaps the American bishops could mandate Communion on the tongue rather than having Communion in the hand as an option. Also, Vatican II stated that the “Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: Therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.”

This has been repeated many times in other Church documents and by Pope John Paul II. For the sake of unity and obedience, it would seem that Gregorian chant should be mandated to be sung in every American parish.

LARRY RUTHERFORD

Black Forest, Colorado

Affirmative Fairness

Regarding “Time Running Out for Affirmative Action?” by Scott McDermott (Commentary, Feb. 9-15):

I believe affirmative action has run its course in American society. I would even go so far as to say it has begun a reversal of what the policy was supposed to accomplish. Affirmative action does not embrace true diversity. As Justice Lewis Powell stated, “‘Genuine diversity’ would embrace people of differing ideologies, nationalities, religions and social classes.” Any more, affirmative action has had but one focus. That focus is race. So a strong point in opposition to affirmative action rests in deciphering what is fair and what is equal.

When judged by race, I do not believe America will be equal anytime in the near future. Not everyone can have the same opportunities in life. I do believe American society can be fair. This means everyone will be judged simply on the merits of their character rather than their race. One way to achieve fairness is to abolish affirmative action. The policy simply combats fairness by promoting racist methods of hiring and admission.

NICK DOLAND

Dubuque, Iowa

The Pro-What? President

After affirming my absolute and unequivocal belief for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, I have to say the enthusiastic support of Steve Mosher, John-Henry Westen and Camille De Blasi for President George W. Bush as expressed in the editorial “The Sitting President” (Feb. 16-22) is both puzzling and troubling. He is the man who, as governor of Texas, has signed the most death warrants in the history of the country. He is the man who is taking the country to an unnecessary war that is going to cost hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent lives. Is this a real pro-life stance?

We cannot be cafeteria pro-lifers supporting someone who, so far, has only given lip service to the value of human life. As the editorial says, let's wait and see what he does in the next two years. So far, in my opinion, he only deserves a very negative mark.

SALVADOR MIRANDA

Miami Beach

Spirituality a Marriage-Saver

I am writing in support of “Couples Need More Awareness of Spiritual Dimension of Marriage, Pope Tells Annulment Tribunal” (Feb. 9-15). In the culture we live in today, it is not uncommon for couples to divorce. Our society has an astonishing number of marriages that end in divorce, resulting in broken families. I believe one main reason is because of the view of culture and media. Too often, media glorifies unfaithfulness and downplays the importance of the covenant of marriage. All over TV and movies, the message of unfaithfulness is blared to everyone who can see. The Pope has addressed the issue by pushing for more spirituality in relationships.

It is the job of the entire society to look at the attitude toward marriage and encourage a more respectful portrayal. Also, parishes must encourage the spiritual and religious bond between couples. This bond can be formed prior to marriage that it may grow and develop as the relationship matures. It should also be promoted within an already formed marriage. Marriage is a sacred bond and should be viewed as such. This article does a great job of bringing this crisis to the awareness of the public. Hopefully, our culture can recognize where changes are needed and promote greater connections between spouses.

ERIN DEMMER

Dubuque, Iowa

Pray for the Pakistanis

I am alarmed at the conditions Pakistani Christians face, as their safety is reported to be in jeopardy because of a possible invasion of Iraq ("Christians Fear Backlash From U.S.-led War on Iraq,” Feb. 9-15).

The issues related to war in Iraq are complex and, while our American bishops and the Vatican doubt that the conditions of the Church's just-war tradition have been met and oppose American military action, some conservative Catholic thinkers like George Weigel and Michael Novak have been making a case that an American strike on Iraq is validated by the tradition.

All Catholics and other Christians should be allowed to carefully weigh the situation without being subject to threats. The fact that Islamic militants targeted Pakistani Christians in attacks because of the American removal of the Afghan Taliban regime — a war that was deemed acceptable by nearly all thinkers in the just-war tradition — is evidence enough that the problem is militant Muslims, not the conduct of Pakistani Christians or the American military.

Pakistani Christians should not feel they have to openly oppose American military action if they have not reached such a genuine, heartfelt conclusion. We should support our Pakistani brothers and sisters in faith, not by reflexively opposing war in Iraq but by demanding that they have the right to carefully consider the issue without intimidation, and that we make the fanaticism of certain Muslims the central, clearly defined and unavoidable issue to be dealt with.

ROBERT BARNETT

Minneapolis

Great Job on Guns and War

Muchas gracias for a great editorial “Anti-War, Not Anti-American” (Feb. 9-15) and a balanced article on gun control and self-defense, “Despite Snipers, Some Still Struggle with Church Teaching on Self-Defense” (Feb. 9-15).

I have circulated the editorial to many people with a note describing it as “a compelling and thorough examination of the Iraqi crisis and threat to world peace,” with an invitation to share reactions with me. The other article represents a first, as I've never seen a fair, accurate and balanced report on the subject of gun control and self-defense in a Catholic newspaper or other print medium.

I expect you will receive many letters on both sides of gun control and self-defense, which is good, and I hope that you can print some of them to help shed further light on the topics.

K. DALE ANDERSON

Randallstown, Maryland

Just War and the United Nations

Regarding “Anti-War, Not Anti-American” (Editorial, Feb. 9-15):

Well, you were doing pretty good until you hit the 11th paragraph. But first back up a bit. In the eighth paragraph, you stated: “This means [the United States] should only attack Iraq with solid, just-war reasons.” Fair enough. But then you fell into the trap of the Left. In the 11th paragraph, you said: “[I]t would be unjust for us to intervene without their (the United Nations’) consent.”

Now, a war is either just or unjust. If it is just, will the United Nations’ disapproval make it unjust? Conversely, if it is unjust, will the United Nations’ consent make it just?

Remember, this is the same United Nations (mostly Western European secular-ists) that allowed Libya to head the human rights commission and allowed the Sudan to slaughter up to 1 million non-Muslims over the last 10 years. Not a very good moral force to consult with, is it?

MIKE MC GLONE

Laguna Hills, California

Editor's note: A war is just when a national defends itself against an aggressor. Even if the United Nations opposes such a war, it is just. A war can also be just when a nation defends the community of nations against an aggressor. But in this case, a legitimate authority of the community of nations must be consulted. This is the situation in Iraq. The United Nations is consulted as an international body, not as a “moral force.”