Was it something we said?

Catholic New Times, March 8, 2005 by John Borst

In February, Bishop Richard Smith of Pembroke Diocese "banned" Catholic New Times from parishes in his diocese, because of our Feb. 13 editorial on homosexuality.

Here, reader John Borst responds.

From time-to-time the bishops have spoken against the lack of free speech in Canada, citing the widespread critique which Bishop Henry's comments on same-sex marriage elicited.

Yet there is criticism of free speech in the action of Bishop Richard Smith of Pembroke. Whether I agree with the views of Interim, Catholic Insight or The Catholic New Times, I believe in their right to free speech. As a Catholic I have a right to see all views expressed. No cleric has the right to deny me access to such writing.

Freedom to speak, read and publish is a fundamental principle of the dignity of personhood. Censorship and banning speech whether by the state or one's church is killing the human mind. Intellectuals, professors and teachers are the first targets of totalitarian regimes.

It is disappointing to see organizations becoming zealots. I cannot support the bishop's decision to ban the Catholic New Times in a diocese. It does not mean that we parishioners will stop talking about an issue, whether it be same-sex marriage, abortion, birth control, female priests, or celibacy.

Our church has a rich intellectual tradition. Today many Catholic laity are more well-read than its clergy. The majority of theologians graduating from colleges are lay and female. This will have profound implications for the future church.

It is a process guided by the Holy Spirit. No neo-traditionalist can prevent it.

John Borst

Dryden, Ont.