Fidelis Levels Criticism Over Religion Question
9/14/2005 10:27:00 AM ----------------------------------
To: National Desk
Contact: Brian Burch of Fidelis, 734-358-3433 or bburch@fidelis.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In separate letters to Sens. 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 Sen. 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 Sen. 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."
Sen. 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 Sen. 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."
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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.
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Following is the text of the letter from Fidelis to Sen. Specter:
September 14, 2005
The Honorable Arlen Specter, Chairman
Senate Judiciary Committee
224 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Specter:
We write to thank you for your fine leadership of the Judiciary Committee hearings on Judge John Roberts thus far, however believe you should take added measures to further protect the integrity of this important process by preventing unnecessary questions about Judge Roberts' religion.
Your question Tuesday to Judge Roberts about the role of his faith in administering justice was expected, albeit disappointing, particularly because it set the stage for the line of questioning from Senator Dianne Feinstein. We are deeply concerned that others will now follow with more intrusive lines of questioning about Judge Roberts' faith in committee and in statements on the floor. This is important not only for what it means now, but also for future confirmation hearings.
As you know, we have been very concerned that Judge Roberts' Catholic faith would be raised by outside groups and possibly by some in the U.S. Senate, similar to how Judge Pryor was treated during his 2003 confirmation hearings.
Our expectations have been validated through a number of instances leading up to the hearings and late yesterday by the unnecessary and divisive questioning of Judge Roberts by Senator Feinstein.
It is sad to see that in 45 years since President Kennedy was attacked for his faith, Catholics are still considered fair game for unnecessary questions about their worthiness to serve in public office. Despite Judge Roberts' professional credentials and temperament to serve, it seems that some continue to take issue with his faith.
We ask that you apologize for raising the issue of religion and allowing Senator Feinstein to continue the line of questioning with a particularly intolerant tone. We would also ask you take steps to ensure Judge Roberts does not have to endure such questioning again. It is important that you set the tone now for future hearings by not allowing further questions about a nominee's religion, and rebuke anyone who continues to demand such answers.
Again, we appreciate the enforcement of a respectful decorum in the Roberts hearings, but humbly ask you to consider our important request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Cella
President
CC: Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist; Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid; Senate Judiciary Committee
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September 14, 2005
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Feinstein:
I write to you regarding your line of questioning of Judge Roberts yesterday about his Catholic faith.
Senator Specter's earlier question to Judge Roberts about the role his faith would play in administering justice was expected, albeit disappointing. What is deeply troubling however is that you found it appropriate to revisit the subject later in the day, and the way in which you revisited the issue.
Your remarks were most disturbing because you referred to the Catholic faith as 'dictates.' It shows your callous insensitivity and ignorance of the teachings of the Catholic faith.
As you know, we have been very concerned that Judge Roberts' Catholic faith would be raised by certain outside groups and some in the U.S. Senate, similar to how Judge Pryor was treated during his 2003 confirmation hearings. Our expectations have been validated by a number of instances leading up to the hearings.
This was only compounded by your unnecessary and divisive questioning of Judge Roberts that may embolden your colleagues to ask similar questions in committee and later in statements on the Senate floor.
It is sad to see that after 45 years since President Kennedy was attacked for his faith, Catholics are still considered fair game for unnecessary questions about their worthiness for public office.
We ask that you set an example for your colleagues by refraining from further questioning of Judge Roberts' faith. However, only an apology will make it clear that your words did not carry the intolerance and disrespect for Catholics they appear to have.
Agreeing to our request will serve to maintain hearings that are respectful, dignified and befitting of the United States Senate. Your example will also serve as a substantive measure to set the tone for the deliberations over the next nominee that will soon be named.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Cella
President
CC: Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist; Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid; Senator Arlen Specter; Senate Judiciary Committee
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Source: http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=53295
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