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A Strong Defense
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Recently Pope Benedict XVI was the center of controversy
in the Italian news media for an address he had made.
The pope had criticized international discussions marked by a relativism that denies
“the truth about man and his dignity” and rejects “the possibility of an ethics
based on the recognition of natural law.”
This was taken to mean, according to some Italian commentators, that the pope is
preparing to attack the United Nations when he addresses the General Assembly during
his April trip to the United States.
The Vatican responded that this was not the case. Like his recent predecessors,
Pope Benedict remains a supporter of the U.N. In fact, as we approach the 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the pope’s comments could be seen
more appropriately as a strong defense of the U.N.’s founding mission: to build
a new global community based on the rule of law, reason and human rights.
This should be obvious to Americans. Our Founding Fathers accepted natural law and
rejected relativism when they declared that all people are endowed by their Creator
with inalienable rights. Nonetheless, the concern raised by the Italian media has
led to similar worries in the United States.
Some point to a pattern of public relations “missteps” by the pope: the Regensburg
speech with its defense of reason, and rejection of violence in the name of religion;
the Auschwitz visit with the statement that millions of Christians were also killed
by the Nazi regime in the death camps (including thousands of Catholic priests);
and the Brazil trip when Benedict rejected the idea that Christianity was imposed
upon the native peoples of our hemisphere.
These controversies involve much more than a dispute over headlines or “sound bites.”
At Regensburg, the pope defended the achievement of Catholicism from St. Augustine
through St. Thomas Aquinas of reconciling faith and reason into a coherent worldview
capable of finding alternatives to the age-old human habit of “might makes right.”
Reject this great accomplishment of Western Christianity and one can more easily
ignore the Christian roots of Europe.
Similarly, those who ignore the millions of Christians killed by the Nazis may be
more influenced by the slanderous idea of “Hitler’s pope,” unconcerned with the
Nazi death camps.
Finally, the contention that Christianity was imposed upon the native people of
the New World undermines 500 years of evangelization and overlooks entirely the
miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary appeared not with the power of a conquering
invader but with the humility of a pregnant, mixed-race girl whose sign was not
a sword but a bouquet of flowers.
In each case, critics of the Church have attempted to rewrite history, placing Catholics
on the defensive in the current “culture wars.” Perhaps, some argue, the pope should
consider how secular elites and others will use his words to create controversy.
He should not be subjected to the game of political “gotcha” that is the stock in
trade of so many in the news media.
But there is a more profound issue here: What is really at stake is whether Pope
Benedict will be able to define his pastoral mission and teaching ministry on his
own terms or whether he will have to submit to the politically correct terms of
debate established by the secular media and other critics of the Church. Pope Benedict
is one of the great intellectual and moral leaders of our age. He humbly and straightforwardly
defends the truth.
In the February issue of Columbia we consider the ability of Catholics to influence
society in the 21st century. Certainly there is much for all of us to do, but I
would suggest this as the place to start: Let all of us – bishops, priests and laity
– face our future together, standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with our
great pope. |
Assembly Recognizes
Honorary Life Member
4th Degree Honorary Life Membership status was presented to Sir Knight Mike Adams.
This award recognizes those Knights that have attained the age of 70 and have been
4th degree members for 25 consecutive years. This also carries with it an exemption
for payment of further dues. This recognition places Mike in a very select group
of Knights. The Assembly thanks you for your dedication and service |
Sir Knight Honored by
Target
Sir Knight Joe Penwell was presented a certificate of recognition from the Assembly
for being recognized by Target to receive “Best In Community” award for his outstanding
community service. Joe was selected as the outstanding Target employee from all
nominees in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Joe was one of 24 national
employees who went to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis to receive the recognition.
Joe commented on his experience working with the patients and families staying at
Target House that are receiving treatment at St. Jude and closed with the comment
that there is more to do in Memphis than see Graceland. Congratulations Sir Knight,
we are proud of your commitment to serving our community. |
Sir Knight Shares Some
Family History
Sir Knight Mike Faye shared a very interesting family story. When he went back for
his father-in-laws funeral, he found out the he had been a 4th degree Knight. Mike
shared the following: His father-in-law was a veteran who served in WWII. He kept
a diary of his action during 1943-45 as a Navy Officer on an LST. He became a 4th
degree Knight when he was 32 on June 16, 1953 (Flag Day). Mike shared the 4th degree
certificate, social baldric and swore baldric that he received. He suggested that
maybe someday we could consider holding an Exemplification on Flag Day? What a great
patriotic thought. |
Initiative Would
Legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide
by John L. Walker, State Deputy
A proposed initiative to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill
patients is expected to gather signatures next year. (Starting after filing on January
4, 2008). The initiative would need approximately 300,000 signatures by July, 2008
to be validated for next November’s election.
Catholic teaching condemns physician- assisted suicide, said the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops, “because it, like murder, involves taking an innocent human
life.”
Our State Chaplain, Most Rev. Carlos A. Sevilla, S.J. has indicated “the passage
of this initiative could ultimately result in a form of state sanctioned euthanasia
that would diminish respect for human life.” He further states: “I ask that the
Knights of Columbus in our state actively participate in defeating this initiative
through educating people in the parishes and contributing financially to the campaign.
There is a need for significant funding to defeat the initiative. Adding the Knights’
voice to the clear and consistent call to defeat the initiative will be vital to
respecting the dignity of life.”
I will be working with Sister Sharon Park of the Washington State Catholic Conference
in coordinating the Knights investment of personnel and finances. More information on the wording will also be disseminated once the initiative is filed.
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Important Notes |
Assembly Meeting
Next meeting is on Wednesday, 09/23/09 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in the South Narthex of the Church and will
start at 7:30pm.
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Membership Dues
Please remember your 2009 Membership dues for the Assembly are now due. If you have already
sent it in thank you, if you haven’t please do so right away.
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