Editor,
In their letters published Thursday, Jay Nelson and Andres Saenz proved my point that personal bias is behind their opposition to the endowed chair in Roman Catholic studies at UNM.
Nelson said he opposes the chair because he was abused. Saenz opposes it because he claims the church was to blame for the voices in his head and his depression. Without going too deep into the subject of abuse, I will say that Nelson, as a victim of abuse, is obviously still in pain over his experience. It is completely understandable. I feel bad for Nelson and anyone else who was abused.
As a Catholic, I was very saddened about the abuse scandal, as all Catholics were. The victims of abuse by clergy members or by anyone else are always in our prayers. But I would encourage Nelson and other victims to keep their faith in God and forgive their abusers. While I was never abused sexually, I did endure some verbal abuse growing up under a stepfather. I hated the man until one day, through lots of prayer, God gave me the ability to forgive. I have felt at peace ever since, and when my stepfather was very sick, I spoke to him as a friend and actually gave his eulogy.
Forgiveness is powerful, and faith in God is even more powerful. But as Stacy Keogh pointed out in Wednesday's Daily Lobo, the misconduct of a few individuals should not be extended to the whole institution-in this case the Catholic church. Nelson, since you were raised in the Catholic faith, you know that the church would never condone any abuse. It is contrary to our beliefs, which are rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church has made changes to ensure that abuse of children does not happen again. It has paid large financial settlements to victims, and all Catholics have prayed that this scandal would end and never happen again.
The late Pope John Paul II stated that abuse of children "is an appalling sin in the eyes of God." John Paul II, before his death, ordered a complete review of church procedures and ordered that any and all changes and reforms necessary be implemented in the church worldwide to ensure that our children are safe and never abused again.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
These changes that John Paul II ordered have been implemented, and the church has been aggressive in enforcing them. But Nelson, the healing process must begin sometime, and the sooner the better for you and all other victims. Hating the church will not bring you peace. Do not forget the good works of the church throughout the world, in feeding the poor and hungry, fighting for peace and justice for the oppressed, and in other areas. As for Saenz, forget about blaming the church for voices in your head. That's coming from somewhere else. Your faith was apparently not strong to begin with. That said, let's give the chair a chance to work at UNM.
A. Michael Martinez
UNM alumnus
