Dear Mark,
Thank you very much for your letter which I received on September 14, 2009. I was very surptised by the comment that was made to you byone of the priests stating that "We are a Republican congregation.' This is false. As catholics, we are neither Democrat or Republican. We are disciples of the Lord Jesus and we must always vote and have in mind the teachings of the Gospel when we look at politics.
We are not to use the Church or the pulpit to furthr a political view and I an sorry that this has affected you and offended you.
The issue regarding the President's speech was left to each parish pastor principal since they would know better what is desired by the parents. In the Catholic Church, we always say that the parents are the first and best educators of their children. Therefore, we do not want to do anything that would violate the wish of the parents unless it is in disagreement with the Church.
Thank you very much for your kind comments. I agree with you. Jesus was neither republican or Democrat and he called us to fidelity.
Wishing you God's blessings, I am
Sincerely in Crist
Most Reverend Gregory M Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
GMA/bl