Editor:
I want to thank the Star Herald for the obituary that was printed regarding the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. The acknowledgement of truly historic legislation he passed in spite of his stance on abortion is a tribute to a church that sees good in all men. Sen. Kennedy was a man of a deep faith, that was given to him in his childhood, and clearly passed on to his children and grandchildren.
As I watched the funeral Mass and burial of Senator Kennedy, I was truly moved by the reading of the letter he sent to our Holy Father, and Our Holy Father’s response. Part of Sen. Kennedy’s deep faith was an awareness of the demons that visit all of us; he acknowledged them, had the courage to face them and never once used his deep faith for political purposes. Sen. Kennedy for all his faults was Catholic. His Mass and burial was a tribute to our church, its members and its message.
I know because of life issues, many will not agree with my assessment of a family whose faith carried them through tragedies I cannot even imagine. I cannot argue my point any more than to pray for a change in many present laws.
Today, the world has witnessed a Catholic Church whose message has not changed in 2,000 years.
My prayer is that we not allow ourselves to be used by politically driven organizations claiming to represent our church. Unfortunately many call upon us during election cycles.
When organizations claiming to represent our church remain silent as politically driven messengers attack our church regarding immigration, health care, education, poverty and social justice, our message and our church is sullied in the name of politics. It hurts our legitimate stance on abortion. How many times have we heard those using our church for political purposes start with a strong message that mellows on election eve to, “It isn’t that I am opposed to abortion, I am opposed to federally funded abortion” — What’s with that?
No matter our political party, our church and its message has not changed. My prayer is that we can work together to continue to respect and protect life in both political parties.
Jane Yavis
Pennsauken
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