Respond to insult with peace
Recently, Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee blatantly attacked Catholicism by declaring that “those ... Catholics” can’t be trusted, without critical reaction from the public and media. Had these remarks been directed at other prominent religions, the predictable uproar would not cease until acts of hostility generated enough public disdain and contempt demanding nothing less than relieving Mr. Gee from his duties.
Other than a few brief remarks the media mitigated the story by acknowledging these abhorrent remarks as nothing more than coy humor. This cause for regret yet served another purpose.
His remarks, although deplorable, provided an opportunity for Catholics to show that our faith is based on love and forgiveness. When attacks strike at the very heart of God’s church with only the barest of replies, or no reply at all, this is not courage.
Humanistically we are all to a degree inherently characterized as reticent when it comes to publicly defending our faith especially in an increasingly secular and immoral society. The persistent attacks on Catholicism must call us to reaffirm our inalienable rights to defend our faith. Instead of reciprocal warfare, belligerence and hatred, we defend our faith by humility, hope and love.
While we object to this attack we, as Catholics must defend our church. We wish you true peace.
Scott Guziec
Green Oaks