April 4, 2008
The Catholic News & Herald 15
Security over liberty? “If we restrict liberty to obtain security, we will lose them both.” — Ben Franklin As we now live in a post 9/11 era, dominated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its concerns for America’s security, we have to ask ourselves if the message of Ben Franklin holds true in the current environment. If we look at the issue of immigration and its subsequent handling by DHS instead of the State Department, we realize there is no appeal process for the undocumented immigrant. This estimated population of 12 million is living in fear and in the realization that any hope for “suspension of deportation” is nil. The immigration issues are not always clear cut but their study is relevant to the democratic process. If we look at this wonderful experiment in liberty and freedom that our forefathers created, we will find the pillars of democracy include: a free press, a transparent judiciary, an educated population and a strong federal reserve. Franklin’s sage advice was to alert citizens of the newly-formed democracy to the delicate balance that exists between liberty and security. Let’s look at our country and the North Carolina community today in light of Ben Franklin’s statement. The U.S. House barely rejected a bill that would have made it a felony for any U.S. citizen to aid or assist an undocumented immigrant, directly or indirectly, during the employment process. Bank of America offered a bank card to enable immigrants forwarding monies home to families who are very
often living in poverty. But the mediadirected public opinion classified any aid to potential undocumented immigrants as a mechanism for sending funds to wouldbe terrorists. Current records will show that there are approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants living in North Carolina. We live at a time of unparalleled opportunity and in a state that houses several of the largest banks in the world. Surely, the North Carolina banking community, the political establishment, the local media and the Chamber of Commerce — assisted through its various business outreach committees — could put forth an immigration alternative to the politically correct indecisiveness spawned by this election year. If we as Catholics view democracy as participatory and borne of civility, then surely we should be leaders in developing and effecting solutions for immigration reform. Thomas Paine stated “that which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value.” The U.S. bishops’ recommendations for comprehensive immigration reform include: — The issue of separation: U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents endure long years of separation from family members while waiting on a backlog of available visas, often waiting up to 15 or more years for the visa to become available. Recommendation: Pending backlogs should be reduced and more visas made available so that families can be reunified. — The issue of lack of access to due
Am I excommunicated for having an abortion at age 16? Q. Last Sunday at Mass, Father spoke about God’s all-forgiving love. When I was 16 years old, I discovered I was pregnant. I was frightened and had no one to turn to. My family was Catholic but rarely went to Mass and was all messed up. Our parents fought a lot, and when my older sister went through a bitter divorce my mother went off the deep end and tried to kill herself. I was the one who found her. I had never discussed abortion with anyone, but my boyfriend and I felt we had no choice. I had no idea I was taking a life. I’m married now to this same boyfriend. We have two beautiful children, both baptized, and we go to Mass faithfully. Even if there is no hope for my forgiveness I’m writing this hoping some parents will speak more frankly to their children, and maybe someone in my shoes will be glad I’m asking this question. Can I ever be fully accepted back into the church again? Am I excommunicated? I’ve been through hell the past several years. I’m afraid to go to the priest in our parish, and my family knows nothing about all this. With all the publicity today, young women would probably weigh their
options more heavily. If I knew then what I know now, I would never have done it. I hope parents, no matter how depressed they may be, will watch for stress in their children. Their problems can be bigger than you think. (Indiana) A. In the name of all the people who may read this, I thank you for what must have been a painful letter to write. I think it will be helpful for lots of people, even for those whose spiritual fears and concerns may not be exactly the same as yours. Your deep regret and sorrow, and your sincere love for yourself and God and other people, shine through in your letter. So be calm and peaceful about it. The way for you is simple. The first requirement for forgiveness anytime is that we accept responsibility for the wrong we have done, and desire forgiveness. Apparently you have passed this point long ago. You should receive the sacrament of reconciliation, if not with your priest then with another. There are several in your area. After that, return to holy Communion and continue your Catholic life as faithfully as you are now, and grow in it.
Active Faith WHITNEY NORTON guest columnist
process: Immigrants have often been subject to laws and policies that debase our country’s fundamental commitment to individual liberties and due process, such as detention for months without charges, secret hearings and ethnic profiling. Asylum seekers are also incarcerated for long periods of time while their claims for asylum are considered. Recommendation: Government policies should not confuse immigration with terrorism. The government should revisit these laws and make the appropriate changes consistent with due process rights. — The issue of undocumented workers: Undocumented workers who are already in the country and have formed lives here are often “stuck,” having no means to become legal. Recommendation: Those already in the country, who do not have proper immigration documentation, should be given the opportunity to obtain legalization if they can demonstrate good moral character and have built up equities in this country. The Catholic bishops have offered a blueprint for comprehensive immigration reform, and the above issues are but a few of their recommendations. For more, visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org. Whitney Norton is a parishioner of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.
Question Corner FATHER JAMES DIETZEN cns columnist
In this process it’s not necessary to attempt to dissect the past. In fact, when we sin seriously, it is generally impossible to unravel all the good, bad and doubtful motives that influenced us. It is usually not even healthy to try to do so after the fact. God does not expect or want this. Finally, for a variety of reasons, you are not and have not been excommunicated. To mention only one major reason, the possible excommunication for acquiring an abortion is one of what are called automatic (“latae sententiae”) excommunications. No automatic excommunication applies to anyone who was under age 17 when the offense was committed. Therefore, it does not apply to you. (For those interested, see Canons 97 and 1323.1.) Questions may be sent to Father John Dietzen, Box 3315, Peoria, IL 61612, e-mail jjdietzen@aol.com.
The power of words The Human Side FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK cns columnist
Jesuit Father Walter Burghardt, one of the finest priest and homilist of our times, died on Feb. 17. The first time I met Walter was at a meeting in Washington. One by one we gave our opinions on a church issue we were discussing. When the time came for Walter to give his input, his manner of speech was striking. Every word he said had weight. He chose them with such care and spoke them in the spirit of a book he had written, “Fire in the Belly.” What does it mean to speak with weight? It means not slurring words but pronouncing every syllable. We don’t have to necessarily speak slower. Rather, we need to avoid running over words so that the person listening to us doesn’t miss them. Although news commentators speak fast, their words are very clear. Speaking with weight means knowing how to accentuate a word. Hitting the right syllable at the right moment makes it stand out and stick with us. Speaking with weight means knowing when to raise and lower volume. When people speak loudly continuously, often their speech sounds strident. If they speak too softly, much of what they say is lost. However, if within a sentence they hit a word hard and loud and then finish it with a soft whisper, the effect can be very moving. Words have their greatest impact when they come from a person’s heart. As soon as we hear them, we may say to ourselves, “He or she has been there and has personally experienced what they are saying. There is a ring of authenticity!” As Americans brace themselves for more months of political speeches and decide who they want as their president, they should listen carefully to the words spoken by the candidates. Are there too many cliches and jingles? Are words garbled, reflecting little thought behind them? Are audiences being shouted at? Do words ring with a sense of respect and evidence that the speaker is working hard to use the right word to be as clear as possible? If Father Burghardt were still alive, I think he would finally ask, “Do you sense fire in the belly? Is there heart and soul in what they are saying — do their words ring with an energy that says down deep, I believe?” Remember, words are who we are! Editor’s note: There was no weekly general audience April 2; in its place, the pope presided over a memorial Mass for Pope John Paul II, who died three years ago on that day. See story, page 6.