Catholics Must Choose To Include

As a Catholic who values Jesus’ model of inclusion and love for all God’s people, I am deeply disappointed that the Vatican has chosen to exclude and distance itself from other Christian churches.

In the document released several weeks ago, "Responses to some questions regarding certain aspects of the doctrine on the church," the Vatican has made it clear that they believe other Christian churches "suffer from defects." Not only does this hinder and potentially damage years of positive ecumenical dialogue and relationships, but it also disregards the example of Jesus.

Jesus, who was Jewish, invited all people to the table, regardless of religious affiliation. Why can’t the Vatican follow the model of Christ? As a Catholic who attempts to follow Christ, I feel impelled to publicly disagree with the Vatican’s document. My silence would equal complicity.

I will not be complicit with exclusion. I believe that the Christian community is bigger than the Catholic Church and that Christ’s model of inclusion must be lived today, as it was 2000 years ago. Despite what the Vatican says, we will continue to strive to live as Jesus did by sitting at the table with all God’s people.

As a child I saw the response from the three churches in town and the help that the Ladies Aid administered when our home was completely destroyed by fire. I can still remember how giving my neighbors were on that cold December night many years ago. Later, when I lost my son Michael everyone, regardless of church, was so kind. When my husband Rob became an invalid I could always count on someone to come and brighten his day. Later, when he was at the Brookside Nursing Home, many of my loving neighbors took the time to visit him, and if you were one of them, your presence was very much appreciated.

How could I possibly forget such a great outpouring of love and join with the Pope’s declaration?

Gertrude C. Sherlock

Tunbridge

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