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Contents © 2003
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.

LETTERS
NOVEMBER 2003

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IRRESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM

In talking with the Faith [for the article, "Their Fathers Were Not Born Here," October], I made it clear that the position of the Catholic Church is that we do not condone any kind of terrorism, even as a response to an attack. In fact, in the article that appears in the October 2003 issue of San Francisco Faith, you quote me accurately: "Father Kobti, though, was careful to note that he does not condone the killing of innocents, even in retaliation for similar offenses by the Israelis. 'The killing of innocents, whether Jewish, Muslims, or Christians, is very wrong,' he [Father Kobti] said." I stated that "Arab terrorists "have done horrible things in Lebanon, in Jordan, in Palestine. As the Catholic Church of Jerusalem, we condemn [terrorism]; Patriarch Sabbah has always condemned violence."

However, by placing words, taken out of context, near my picture, you have created the impression that I supported the quotation, "O.K., you are killing innocents, we can kill innocents." You should have made it clear that the phrase was one that described the state of mind of Palestinian Muslims after the 1994 killing of 39 Muslim worshippers in Hebron. The juxtaposition of my picture and the quote damage my reputation and create a false picture of my views and the views of the Catholic Church. This is irresponsible journalism, and I strongly believe that the Faith should provide a clarification for readers and an apology to me.

Fr. Labib Kobti,
San Francisco

Editor's reply: I am not certain that I can give a better clarification of Father Kobti's position on violence than our November article itself. As Father Kobti admits, the article expresses what he said to me in our interview -- Father Kobti himself saw the article and approved before publication. But for the record, as the article states, neither Father Kobti, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, nor the Catholic Church approve of the direct and intentional killing of innocents, no matter what the provocation or cause. Thus, they do not approve of terrorism. That is what Father Kobti said to me, what the article said he said to me, and what he says in the letter above.

The pull-quote that bothers Father Kobti, however, was not placed next to his picture. If it had been, he would be right: by journalistic convention, the juxtaposition of the pull quote would indicate he said the words he cited above. But since the pull quote was not placed next to his picture, it does not indicate that he said the words in question -- again, by journalistic convention. The function of the pull quote is to draw the reader into the story and, in the case of the Father Kobti article, to read the very good and interesting words he said.

Father Kobti seems to assume that readers will form an opinion of him based on seeing his picture and a pull quote. While a very few may do so (for the foolish will always be with us), most by far will not. Most readers are neither so unjust nor so stupid.


EXCELLENT INTERVIEW

Thank you for the very illuminating article on Dale Vree [See "More Than A Pinko," October Faith]. I have subscribed to New Oxford Review for a number of years but had not learned of Vree's extensive background. An excellent interview!

The San Francisco Faith continues to be a source of useful information about our Faith and admired for its courageous reports on the destructive dissidents in our midst. Stay the course!

Don E. Butler,
Seattle


SAINTS AND PHILANDERERS

At the 6:30 a.m., July 6 Mass at a Bay Area parish, the celebrant in his homily cited Princess Diana and Robert Kennedy, among others, as modern "prophets" for their courage in advocating various social causes. No mention of John XXIII, Paul VI, Mother Teresa, or John Paul II. Odd that two notorious philanderers would crowd out four modern saints. Moreover, the Gospel reading, Matthew 16, 13-19 (which references the "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus), might have been a more fitting topic. After all, an incorrect reading of this passage strikes at the heart of the Marian devotion.

How long will it be before we will be able to once again attend a Catholic Mass?

Ron Simmons,
Orinda

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