Peace and Good in Christ!

I have received some questions and criticisms about my recent "Post Election Ponderings" article. These came from less than one percent of our readership. But in the case that there are others that may share their questions and criticisms, I would like to publically address them.

Some have questioned my fidelity to the Catholic faith and my pro-life position. Some thought I was using my religious platform to support President Elect Obama. Others thought I was being racist for not separating the man Obama from his race. After rereading the article I am still a bit taken aback by these responses. But I appreciate the opinions of those who disagree, and value their input. At the very least they indicate that I did not adequately express myself. I apologize for that.

I assure you, I am a faithful Catholic Christian, and a supporter of the pro-life cause. I stand with the Pope and the bishops in content and tone in such matters since the election. This leads me to the following positions: As the primary leader of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a canonical community of the Catholic Church, I retain a neutral political position, and do not endorse candidates or political parties. I do, however make every effort to remain faithful to duly elected officials unless they go against the teaching of the Church in matters of faith and morality. After an election I try to look for common ground with newly elected officials. I recognize that there may be times of difference with elected officials once they are in office and their term in office unfolds. But I start off looking for common ground. This is especially relevant to the issue of pro life, but not limited to it. As to racism, the Church and I do not endorse racism in any form. I thought that these things were clear in context in the article. Obviously they were not perceived by all. I humbly apologize.

Another criticism was about my statement that pro life was not a major issue in this election. This does not mean that it is not a major issue, but only that it was not even mentioned by the major candidates as a major issue, and did not figure into the issues considered immediately urgent by the electorate. Sorry for the confusion.

I thank the many from the major leadership, regular clergy, and laity of the Church and religious communities, and general public as well, who encouraged me after publishing this article. I think they understood that I was trying to encourage peace and calm after a tumultuous election. Without going into the theological and historical aspects of Christian participation in politics, I believe that this way of peace is the way of Jesus.

Of course such political matters are not my deepest heart. I am a hermit, and have a hermit's heart. I only venture into the political arena during major elections, especially where there has been serious conflict and strife regarding matters of faith and morality. I felt that this was the case this year. But as important as these matters are, the real answers lie within. Now I return to my real heart, as I try to go deeper and deeper into the heart of Christ in eremitical solitude and silence.

I encourage everyone to work together in the Church and the world on common points, even while seriously differing on various minor and major issues. I still believe this is the best way forward for our Church, our country, and our world.
In Jesus,

John Michael Talbot
Founder, and Spiritual Father
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage