Hi Judy,

I'm writing in regards to the comment by JS (4/1) that deals with Cardinal Dolan and the Gov. Cuomo. JS seems to want a public rebuke from the Cardinal and a public statement of repentance from the Governor. It seems to me that two things are on the line: (i) the well being of Gov. Cuomo's soul and (ii) the public misconception that the Church happily distributes the Eucharist to people who support abortion. Rather than taking the tack recommended by JS, I think a more pastoral (and more productive) approach would be for the Cardinal to council Mr. Cuomo privately. This, it seems to me, has the best potential to reconcile Mr. Cuomo to the Church - thereby fixing item (i). Such a reconciliation would naturally lead to fixing item (ii) (if he was truly reconciled with the Church, he would feel compelled to recant). And, for all we know, that process may be underway. Offering a public rebuke only serves to paint Cuomo into a corner (hardening his heart) and makes the Church look like an ogre. I think this was the lesson of Rhode Island: attempt to remedy the situation privately. [By the way, Archbishop Tobin's attempts to council Rep. Kennedy in private were torpedoed by Mr. Kennedy … so I'm not blaming the Archbishop. My suggestion is simply not to start with a public blood-letting].

While JS may proceed as she deems appropriate, I don't think a letter writing campaign to the Cardinal (of the type proposed) will serve anyone well.

Have faith in the Cardinal. Pray for him. And, more importantly, pray for Mr. Cuomo's immortal soul.

K

Dear K

You are correct in recommending the path a prelate should take when dealing with a Catholic who is publicly defying Catholic teaching. In fact the 12 steps to enforcing Canon Law 915 set forth the very approach that you have shared here. You can find that document, authored by Bishop Rene Gracida, at http://www.ewtn.com/library/bishops/12stepbp.htm

As you will note once the pro-abortion Catholic in question has defied the Bishop's attempts to reconcile the sinner to the Church, the next step is to make it clear publicly that the body of Christ will be denied. That is the Church's position.

Judie Brown

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