TO THE EDITOR:
I was pleased and reassured to read the Jan 14th editorial recognizing President Trump’s responsibility for the attack on the Capitol. While it is important to reject the violence and subsequent deaths, it is essential to rebuke the persons who incited the attack and are responsible for it. Absent any legitimate basis, the current President called into question the results of a fair election, thus provoking a mob attack on the U.S. Capitol. Subsequent evidence that this insurrection was planned and coordinated, including reconnaissance, military gear, and dangerous weapons, makes its gravity clearer. Deep-seated evil like this must be openly reproached by Catholic leadership.
The U.S. bishops’ document on voting supports the formation of each Catholic’s conscience. The Church should refrain from endorsing parties or candidates; that was not true during this past election. It is more important than ever that the Church recognize its role in fostering the language and mentality of an uprising. Such an honest editorial in our diocesan newspaper encourages this process.
Eve Sweeney, Wakefield
