Dear Editor: There is barely a news account – of the U.S. or the world – that does not cry out for healing, for justice, for peace. But I myself have been the most heart-broken over the suffering of the parents and children crossing our border. This is not a horror taking place in a brutal society off the radar. This is not an issue for partisan politics. This is a human rights crime that is being perpetrated in our names as Americans. Families are being ripped apart even in our own diocese: in Fort Hamilton where I grew up, a pizza delivery man was detained and his future in this country now rests in the hands of the court.
My mind and soul are frustrated searching for ways to combat this terrorism – for that is its name. And when I opened The Tablet (June 9), my heart sank even deeper as I saw the feature article: “Court Rules for Conscience in Baker’s Case.”
There are points for consideration there. And there are other issues affecting Catholics, as well as reports of local celebrations, that have a place in a diocesan newspaper. But the Gospel tells us Jesus’ condemnation for those who harm little children, and those words are not timid: “It would be better for them if a millstone be hung around their necks and they were drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Perspective seems to be in short supply these days. The need for discernment is critical. The call for action is clear and very loud. Let us help one another to help these families whose lives we profess to respect.
ROSEANNE CLEARY
Glendale
Dear Editor: The baker had previously declined to make a cake for a divorce and for Halloween. The couple did have the option of buying any cake in the shop. In the past, the commission had approved other businesses declining work that the owners had disagreed with.
KENNETH STONE
Via Facebook
Dear Editor: Actually, the Court punted on the conscience issue, ruling on the bias against the baker’s religion by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. It’s trivializing faith by conflating baking a cake, taking wedding photographs with the practice of religion.
The ruling is important because it protects religion from animus expressed by regulators and bureaucrats of every political stripe.
RICHARD DUNNE
Via Facebook