Doucette and CNT do disservice

Catholic New Times, Oct 10, 2004 by Paul Kokoski

I write about the letter "Saddened by letter", by Fr. Jeff Doucette (Sept. 26 ) and the article "The Eucharist is indeed political" (Sept. 26.)

A disturbing motif of pride runs throughout Fr. Doucette's letter. With respect to the issue of women's ordination, Fr. Doucette asks "Why is it called mudslinging, when we lovingly question our church?"

Is this not what Jesus did in the gospel? Jesus was not a renegade but rather a model of obedience to the Father.

Fr. Doucette is creating controversy and sowing discord by questioning magisterial teachings. He might ask himself why he insists on remaining in a church with which he strongly disagrees.

Regarding the editorial "The Eucharist is indeed political," Cardinal Ratzinger has stated that there can be no legitimate diversity of opinion among Catholics with regard to abortion and euthanasia.

Hence, it is a testimony to authentic Eucharistic theology that Holy Communion be refused politicians who publically support abortion. In suggesting otherwise--or that the recent vote by U.S. bishops does not somehow concur with this teaching, CNT does both itself and the church a great disservice.

Paul Kokoski

Hamilton, Ont.