TO THE EDITOR:

In response to the responses to Mr. Robert Walzís letter to the editor (Aug. 31 Post Review) I do not believe in judging others, especially as to how they live out their religious beliefs. As a Catholic Christian I believe that any war should always be the last resort and that violence breeds more violence. If we are to instill a pro-life ethic in ourselves and in our children, one that values life from beginning to end, (the consistent ethic of life), we wonít be successful if at the same time weíre lauding the making of war. Just because I do not agree with the war in Iraq does not mean that I do not support the troops and pray for them, and their families and friends.Ý

Robert Walz and I are not alone in our opposition to this war. Going to war in Iraq was strongly opposed by a wide range of Catholic voices. Pope John the Second took the lead calling the war ìunjustî and a ìdefeat for humanity.î Here in the United States the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and all our peace and justice organizations voiced their opposition. Didnít Jesus bless those who work for peace, calling them children of God? The one phrase that he used over and over again was ìpeace be with you.î

Believing in peacemaking does not make anyone a bad person or a bad American. I am a promoter of peacemaking, nonviolence, conflict resolution, and community building. I know this must begin with me and how I treat myself and then those closest to me and then others in the larger community. I do not always accomplish this, but it is my goal.

Violence in any any form ñ war, abortion, the death penalty, (killing my nieces killer will not bring her back), environmental destruction, poverty, self hatred, intolerance ñ violates Christian principles.

I do respect the opinions of those who responded to Robert, even though I donít agree with everything they wrote. This practice has helped my husband and I to be able to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary this year. Part of our ìprivate wedding vowsî were to agree to disagree and still love each other. So far itís worked!Ý

Peace be with you.

Elizabeth Langlois
North Branch

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