NC Catholic firing - Letters - Letter to the Editor

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 6, 2004

Raleigh Bishop Joseph Gossman's action in firing the editor of the NC Catholic the week before Christmas is a sure sign of the church's sickness. According to the Jan. 9 issue of NCR, editor John Strange was fired simply because he reported the warning issued by author William Powers that the church is sick.

Healthy institutions welcome diagnosis and criticism. Sick institutions dread the painful truth.

Gossman's actions have had two effects on me. I have ordered a copy of the Powers book, and I plan to write the diocesan office asking them to return our contribution to the Bishops' Annual Appeal.

ALLAN A. GLATTHORN

Washington, N.C.

Along with many fellow Catholics I was angry and dismayed at Bishop Gossman's firing of the editor of the NC Catholic newspaper. I felt a sense of betrayal by the bishop. His action seemed so out of character, its timing so mean-spirited, thoroughly unlike the man I hold in high esteem.

So I called Bishop Gossman, told him how I felt, and listened to him. I still don't think his reaction fit the situation, nor do I think the timing appropriate. I can, however, understand from the bishop's perspective what upset him. I understand, too, the legal ramifications that limit what he could say. I didn't think to ask him at the time if pressure had been put upon him from above. My concern was the bishop himself and if he had changed. I don't believe he has.

In the 28 years that I've known him, I've never found Joe Gossman to lie, unlike some of his fellow bishops and cardinals. He is a caring, compassionate man. We've had our battles through the years, but I've never found him to be dishonorable or vindictive.

The question that remains for me is, given the bishop's reasoning, why was the article later taken off the diocesan Web site and by whom? Its removal to me smacks of censorship. A "well" church doesn't have to resort to such actions.

JOAN WELCH PEAK

Durham, N.C.