To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the letter from Pastor Bercot of St. Ignace.

As a Catholic, I am wondering why Pastor Bercot feels the need to attack our beliefs. I find it interesting that Pope John Paul II, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, could embrace all religions in hopes of healing the divisiveness that exists, but here in our little town of St. Ignace, Pastor Bercot feels he cannot do the same.

Annette Durm

St. Ignace

 

Embrace, Not Criticize, Differences

 

To the Editor:

It's interesting that 12 Baptist ministers took it upon themselves to speak for the a01Cmillions of Christians who do not see the Pope as the Holy Father or the Vicar of Christ.a01D If the ministers are going to represent themselves as spokesmen for these a01Cmillions,a01D they might seek their permission first. They have embarrassed some of these millions, to be sure. A few of these a01Cmillionsa01D have shared their concern with me about the timing and the content of the letter the ministers decided to write.

The issue here does not appear to be what the ministers believe the Pope is, or isn't. They have the right to express their beliefs, thank God, as well as the brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives in order for us to enjoy this privilege. Pope John Paul II did not always have this privilege in his life. The ministers are correct in stating that the Pope did encourage a01Cthose holding diverse viewsa01D to speak. The Pope was so present and inclusive to people of all nationalities and faiths that billions of them chose to express their grief and joy in the elebration of his life.

God called Pope John Paul II from a truly humble beginning to do great things. Pope John Paul was a respected witness of Christ. His life exemplified peace, so much so that people of all faiths came together in peace for his funeral Mass, able to set aside their differences. Christ was completely present at that moment.

Catholics, Protestants, non-Christians, and yes, even non-believers, were all present during the Pope's funeral. Did these 12 Baptist ministers notice this a01Criver of humanitya01D that flowed through the Vatican? Did it occur to any of them that this representative of Christ (yes, a Vicar) touched countless people who may never have come to know Jesus if it weren't for the Pope's ministry? Even the man who had attempted to assassinate the Pope years ago said he was grieving. Jesus' command, a01CForgive others as I have forgiven you,a01D is certainly not contrary to Scripture. The Pope was a living example of Christ's teachings.

If Jesus' presence was missed at the Pope's funeral, perhaps these ministers were looking too critically for the flaws of the Catholic Church. Jesus' name was not a01Cignored,a01D as they stated. Jesus is never ignored during Holy Mass in the Catholic Church. Nor is Mary a01Cignoreda01D as the Mother of Jesus. Mary, after all, was the first Disciple of Christ. What if Mary's response to God's call to be His humble servant and vessel to bring forth the Christ Child had not been yes? Jesus' love and devotion to His mother is how He expects us to love. Surely, Jesus' love and affection for His mother was not a a01Cmisplaced loyalty.a01D

Catholic Christians absolutely believe in the Holy Scriptures. Our focus, love, and loyalty also belong to the one true God. Isn't it possible to travel different pathways to reach this same destination? Is it necessary to pit one church against another? God made us wonderfully unique. Instead of criticizing each other's differences, we should embrace them. And most certainly, we should allow people to grieve in their own way and in their own time, without the fear of ridicule, especially from the representatives of any church. The truth is that Christ came to unite, not to divide. And it is because of this truth I will a01CBe not afraid.a01D

Betsy L. Allers

Mackinaw City

 

Sorry To Learn of Negative Feelings

 

To the Editor:

In response to the Baptist pastors' Letter to the Editor, published Thursday, April 14, in The St. Ignace News, I am sorry to learn that these pastors have these negative feelings about Pope John Paul II and a faith other than their own.

I took it on myself to look up the meanings of the questionable words brought up. Holy - a01Cformally dedicated to the service of God, the church, or religion.a01D Father - a01Ca title of reverence used to members of the clergy, especially priests.a01D Vicar - a01Ca person who is authorized to perform the functions of another; deputy, as God's vicar on earth.a01D

Nowhere in the definitions did it list a01Cabsolute authority on earth in all matters, both religious and civil,a01D as stated in the pastors' letter. That statement is not our belief.

It was also stated in their letter, a01Cso much dedicated to the memory of a man while the name of Jesus Christ is practically ignored.a01D

First of all, most of these dedications I saw as eulogies, so I looked up the word a01Ceulogy,a01D which means a01Ca speech or writing in praise of a person or thing; a set ovation in honor of a deceased person.a01D When a public eulogy is expressed or written, by other than the clergy at the time of the burial rites, the name of Jesus or God is seldom mentioned. These eulogies were about this very dedicated man of God and how he lived his life, affected the lives of many, and his love for people of all ages, creeds, and nationalities. He earned the right to the dedications, and the title, a01CHoly Father, Vicar of Christ.a01D

The next part of the statement from the pastors was that a01CJesus Christ was practically ignored.a01D That is incorrect. For all the days from Pope John's death to and including burial, there were thousands in different parts of the world, as well as Rome, attending religious services in his memory, where the name of Jesus was fittingly being spoken many times over.

As for the reference to a01CMary, the mother of God,a01D that's who she was, the mother of God, Jesus, the Savior. Pope John Paul II did have a deep devotion to Mary and we, too, are devoted to her and grateful that she accepted God's call and, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, bore a son, Jesus, the Savior, for all mankind. We cannot forget, and we continue to love, honor, and thank her. We take nothing from our loyalty, focus, love, and belief in Jesus and His place in our lives. It is not written that we can only love, honor, and respect one person. One God, yes!

I repeat, I am sorry there are those who judge unjustly. However, I feel if we all truly strive to live by Christ's teachings found in the Bible, which includes loving our neighbor and judging not lest we be judged, and do keep open minds, Jesus will prevail.

Catherine Gill

St. Ignace

 

Vote Yes To Keep Health Care Local

 

To the Editor:

On May 3, voters in Mackinac County will decide the future of this community's health care services. I urge you to vote yes on the millage renewal and reduction for Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center.

This millage has been in place since 1989. It funds all hospital operations, including the 24-hour emergency room, a 15-bed acute care unit, and 91 beds for long-term care. The millage is what keeps health care local so we don't have to drive 50 miles or more for medical services.

 The millage renewal will also reduce the amount we pay. The old rate of 1.4 mills cost 17 percent more than the 1.2 mills in this proposal. That's a bargain price for local care that can save any one of us from a life-threatening emergency.

The quantity of services provided is impressive. In one six-month period last year, the hospital received more than 16,500 patient visits. That's in addition to the 24-hour care provided to residents in the long-term care center. Meeting that volume of demand without a local hospital would be next to impossible.

The quality of care is also extraordinary. The hospital has achieved many improvements in services over the last five years. In 2002, the skilled nursing facility received the Governor's Quality Care Award, the highest recognition in the state.

Some voters in outlying areas question why they should support the hospital. Many seem to think that the hospital is used only by people from St. Ignace and the surrounding area. The fact is that the hospital is used by residents of every township in Mackinac County. The hospital also provides some specialized services that are used by a few patients from surrounding counties.

Many of our county residents are unable to afford health care, and the hospital provides a large amount of services to those who can't pay anything at all. Some of that is reimbursed by federal and state programs, but they don't pay the full cost. In fact, Medicaid pays only about 40 percent. Local hospitals have to make up the difference.

Please use your right to vote and make your support heard on this important millage. If it's difficult for you to get to the polls, you may want to vote by absentee ballot. They are available from township and city clerk's offices for people over 60 and those who will be out of town on election day.

Please make it a point to vote May 3. And please vote yes.

Ronda Schlehuber and Lori Spring

St. Ignace