The bishop's action rallied strong reactions from both ends of the spectrum, which have, in turn, led to other reactions. Fellow bishops, for the most part, quietly distanced themselves from the Lincoln prelate. Prayer vigils supporting one side or the other were held in various parts of the nation. In turn, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, appealed in May for those seeking the signatures not to deepen divisions. The hard-line approach, Bishop Pilla correctly sees, will only polarize people further.
Freedom demands respect and dialogue, give and take, speaking and listening, openness of mind.
These qualities are sorely lacking in the Nebraska affair. Persuasion wins where edicts fail. Persuasion honors the demands of freedom. Freedom's Other Side Irresponsible freedom, though, is dangerous. Our American love of independence has moved far beyond our founders' dream of freedom.