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By Marshall Manson Posted in Roberts — Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Fidelis Levels Criticism Over Religion Question

In separate letters to Senators Arlen Specter and Diane Feinstein, Fidelis leveled criticism over the repeated questioning of Judge Roberts’ Catholic faith. The letters address Chairman Specter’s early question about Roberts’ “personal views� which set the stage for Senator Feinstein to unnecessarily revisit the sensitive topic later in the hearing.

The letters ask for a more respectful tone during the second day of questioning and request that Senator Feinstein refrain from such further questioning and apologize for her intolerant and offensive words.

In their letter sent early Wednesday to Senator Arlen Specter, Fidelis expressed concern that Specter’s question opened the door for further inquiry about Roberts’ faith. Fidelis called on him to apologize and appealed to him to preserve the integrity of the process and not allow unnecessary questioning of his religion to continue.

The Feinstein letter expressed Fidelis’ deep concern over describing the teachings of the Catholic Church as “dictates,� revisiting the topic of then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy who was repeatedly dogged by questions concerning the perceived conflict between his Catholic faith and his role as a public servant.

Fidelis President Joseph Cella commented, “Of the two Senators remarks, Senator Feinstein’s were the most disturbing because she referred to the Catholic faith as ‘dictates.’ It shows her callous insensitivity and ignorance of the teachings of the Catholic faith.�

Cella continued: “Forty-five years since JFK faced similar questions about his Catholic faith, we continue to have Senators asking questions about the apparent conflict between their Catholic faith and public service in this country. It is unfortunate that the issue of his religious faith arose. This question has no place or bearing on his confirmation. We hope we have seen the end of it.�

Senator Specter began Tuesday’s hearing by asking Roberts whether his faith would present a problem in serving as Chief Justice. Roberts firmly responded that he agreed with Specter’s reference to JFK’s statement in 1960 when he said, “I do not speak for my church on public matters -- and the church does not speak for me."

Later in the day Senator Feinstein chose to revisit the issue asking Roberts whether he agreed with JFK when he described his belief in “an America where the separation of church and state is absolute.�

Cella continued, “The fact that Senator Feinstein again raised doubts about Roberts’ Catholicism is deeply troubling. Roberts had already successfully answered the question about his faith and any possible conflict, and yet Senator Feinstein returned to the issue. Senator Feinstein’s question pointed directly to an era in American politics where the evil undercurrent of anti-Catholic bigotry was widespread.�

“I would hope that we can move beyond the anti-Catholic prejudices of the past. Senator Specter must extend his excellent management of these hearings to include a rebuke of any Senator who continues to demand answers to questions about Roberts’ faith.�

Fidelis is a Catholic-based advocacy organization working with people of faith across the country to defend and promote the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and the right to religious liberty by electing pro-life, pro-family and pro-religious liberty candidates, supporting the confirmation of judges, and promoting and defending laws consistent with the Founding principles of the United States.