Dear Editor:
The Catholic Church as always depended upon the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. As you prepare to vote this crucial election year, you must do the same. This November Catholics across the nation will be put to the test. There are many issues facing Americans: jobs, taxes, energy. All require hard work. But how do we know if we are building in vain? "Unless the Lord builds this house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127.
Catholics and others across the country will have the opportunity to shape the future of our generation and generations to come. Many issues are at stake but some issues are not negotiable. 1)The protection of life from conception to natural death. 2)Marriage should be reinforced not redefined. 3)Freedom of Religion: forcing the Church to buy insurance that goes against her teachings is a violation of religious freedom. Cardinal Timothy Dolan has said on several occasions, "When the government tampers with a freedom so fundamental, one shudders to think what lies ahead." When you cast your vote, ask yourself one more time, "Will I vote values that will stand up to the test of fire?
Sincerely,
Father John Neff, Pastor
St. Luke Catholic Church, Youngsville
St. Anthony of Padua Church, Sheffield