To: "Michael McFarland"
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:14 PM
Subject: Response to your letter "For those who do not have a voice"
Dear Father Mc Farland.
I read with great interest your response to those who oppose Holy
Cross renting space for the Alliance on Teen Pregnancy. I’m pleased
to learn that you are not opposed to nor do you run away from public
discussions that are controversial. Therefore, I’m assuming you will
allow me to comment on this subject even though we do not agree on
substance.
I can assure you Pro-Life members do not view in any simplistic way
the many motives of Planned Parenthood. As much as I respect them as
being God’s children too, I find them to be totally misguided in
their belief that their only source of power comes from doing with
their bodies as they please. I wish Holy Cross were hosting a real
balanced public discussion on Teen Pregnancy because Fertility Care
Services, who do also teach applications on avoiding pregnancy and
procreative wellness, would have been a good balance. They provide,
among many things, in depth information on the most current,
effective, and scientific natural system to avoid pregnancy, a very
morally acceptable alternative.
As far as pro-life voices being marginalized because we shun Planned
Parenthood and publicly discredit them and I quote "however
justified in theory" is really buying into pro-choice thinking and
rhetoric. It’s my impression that one is obfuscating this point in
order to justify Holy Cross’ actions. Pro-life people do not deal
with theory but facts. Pro-lifers are on the frontline and in the
trenches, so to speak, putting themselves on the line to be possibly
arrested or even injured. The horrors they have seen and the women
they have counseled after their encounter with Planned Parenthood
leave indelible impressions on them. It’s an abhorrence one doesn’t
shake off easily so it’s only natural to shun evil and reveal its
true nature.
I agree we need to protect the welfare of young children and teens
and that’s why we have organizations such as Problem Pregnancy and
Visitation House. These and other organizations have in fact
prevented abortions, demonstrating that pro-life people do put great
value on the welfare of women, while at the same time respecting the
life that "pro-choice" people do not respect. How that plays into the
hand of Planned Parenthood is a mystery to me.
I realize Holy Cross will not withdraw from their agreement to host
this event but I would hope Holy Cross would reflect on why Pro-life
people feel the way they do. I pray that you will come to better
understand and appreciate their faithfulness to Catholic Doctrine. We
are far from being perfect and without sin, but we practice
discernment in order to recognize what is morally right, and to
prevent ourselves from being unwittingly influenced by voices like
Planned Parenthood.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sue Robbins member of St Mary Parish North Grafton
4 comments :
A magnificant response. Truth always wins out. It is abborant that a priest, who is the president of a supposedly Catholic College, would take the stance he has.
The Lord has clealy stated---"You are either with Me or against Me" when it comes to the matter of His truth and teaching.
There are no excuses whatsoever that can justify what McFarland is doing or what he has said. What has been set forth by his is clearly not in accord with the Lord's Will.
It will be very interesting if McFarland will adhere to the expressed order of the Bishop of Worcester.
http://lasalettejourney.
blogspot.com/2007/10/in-his-encyclical-letter-evangelium.
html
A little perspective:
http://lasalettejourney.
blogspot.com/2007/10/as-documented-here-httpdtf-jayg.
html
It really is a shame that Dianne Williamson has decided to use her Telegram column to engage in harsh rhetoric aimed at a Bishop of the Church - a successor to the Apostles. Constructive criticism is one thing. Referring to Bishop McManus as "narrow minded" and as one who is being influenced by "fringe pro-life activists" is another. Ms. Williamson has really done a great disservice to authentic dialogue by opting for cheap slogans as a substitute for thought. Her readers (and indeed all readers of the Telegram & Gazette) deserve better. His Excellency deserves better.
Post a Comment