A Open Letter to the Louisiana Catholic Conference and Bishops Regarding Recent Political Events

I am writing a similar letter that will be sent to the various State Offices of the various Christian Communities in Louisiana.

To:
Louisiana Catholic Conference,
Daniel J Loar-Executive Director of the Louisiana Catholic Conference,
and
The Most Rev. Alfred C. Hughes Archbishop of New Orleans
The Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux
The Most Rev. Michael Jarrell Bishop of Lafayette
The Most Rev. Robert W. Muench Bishop of Baton Rouge
The Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of Alexandria
TheMost Reverend Glen J. Provost Bishop of Lake Charles
The Most Rev. Roger P. Morin Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans
The Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans
To the Current Adminstration in the Diocese of Shreveport

I am sure the Louisiana Catholic Conference is aware of the deep religious tolerance in Louisiana. The Conference no doubt knows that differences between Louisiana Christians and the faith traditions of their fellow citizens has largely never been factor in political races. We Louisiana citizens time after time have rejected such people that even attempted it.

Today the Louisiana State Democratic Party has launched a media campaign against Bobby Jindal as regard to statements and writings he has made as to his faith. That can be located here. I am sure the Catholic Conference is concerned as I am. I am involved in the public square. I am also a defender of my faith. I urge all Christians no matter what their faith tradition to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" as the scriptures tell us in 1 Peter 3:15.

Catholics, Protestants, and Jews have had great traditions in Louisiana and in the political realm in all parts of the State of Louisiana. During this time we have not made our Faith differences a political issue. That line has been crossed today.

The allegations are even incorrect. In the first allegation of the web site paid for by the Louisiana Democrat party we see "Jindal explains how Catholicism has more merit than all other Religions. Jindal states non-Catholics are burdened with "utterly depraved minds" and calls individuals who ignore the teachings of the Catholic church intellectually dishonest"

This is incorrect. This was written when Bobby Jindal was 25 years old. It was published when Jindal was 25 years old. Jindal does use the word 'scandalous,' as the ad claims. However, he uses it in referring to 'scandalous divisions' in the Church, which led to 'new denominations.' Contrary to the claim in the TV Democratic ad, there's no mention of Pentecostals, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, or any other denomination. I think all Christian find the divisions in the Body of Christ scandalous.

But again that is missing the main point. This has no place in Louisiana politics.

I have reviewed the pastoral on your web site: The Catholic Church . . .Politics . . . and Public Policy The position of the THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS August 27, 1990. This position paper was adopted by all Dioceses in the State of Louisiana. I see nothing after reviewing the pastoral letter that would prevent you from speaking out. In fact that together with US Bishops letter Faithful Citizenship:A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility, which is also on your website, indicates the Church must be speak out against this violation of the social contract we hold dear regardless of Faith tradition. Otherwise Faithful Catholics that give a reason for the Hope in them shall have that used in a dishonest manner against them in political races. That letter said in part:

Faithful citizenship calls Catholics to see civic and political responsibilities through the eyes of faith and to bring our moral convictions to public life. People of good will and sound faith can disagree about specific applications of Catholic principles. However, Catholics in public life have a particular responsibility to bring together consistently their faith, moral principles, and public responsibilities.At this time, some Catholics may feel politically homeless, sensing that no political party and too few candidates share a consistent concern for human life and dignity. However, this is not a time for retreat or discouragement.

We need more, not less engagement in political life. We urge Catholics to become more involved?by running for office; by working within political parties; by contributing money or time to campaigns; and by joining diocesan legislative networks, community organizations, and other efforts to apply Catholic principles in the public square.

I humbly suggest to the Bishops of Louisiana and their Statewide agency, The Louisiana Catholic Conference, this is under threat because of these developments.

The issue here is not of political party. I have no doubt that most Democrats in Louisiana share my outrage also. This is a issue that transcends parties and must be dealt with strongly. I therefore ask that the Bishops of Louisiana and the Louisiana Catholic Conference speak out against something that is akin to Know Nothing politics of past ages.

I further would like to remind the Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Conference that a portion of this great State is without a Bishop. Currently the See of the Diocese of Shreveport Louisiana is Sede vacante because of the retirement of Bishop Friend. Therefore we Catholics in that Diocese will need your paternal and Christian guidance, help, and advocacy more during this period. That applies to issues such as this.

The issue again is not about endorsing a a person or a political party. It is about rejecting and taking a stand against what is against our ethos as Christians and Louisiana citizens.

I look forward to the Louisiana Catholic Conference response as well as the various Bishops of Louisiana response to these disturbing developments.