Kara Speltz writes to Rev. Tim Brown, S.J. concerning prayers to lay down our arms.

Dear Fr. Brown: 

I cannot express the shock I experienced when I read of Fr. Clifford's barring of Catholic Worker, Kathy Boylan from his parish.  As I understand it, it was because of her petition that all soldiers lay down their weapons. 
I can't help but wonder, would he also bar Bp. Romero, if he were alive, for it was those exact words to the El Salvadoran soldiers that resulted in his assassination.   More to the point does he have any understanding of the Sermon on the Mount?  If praying for the laying down of arms of all soldiers is against his beliefs, would he then bar Jesus from his parish?  I pray that you will intercede on Kathy's behalf, and on behalf of the nonviolence that our Savior preached throughout his short life. 
We live in a country that glorifies violence and idolizes the nation-state over the word of and love of God.  The role of the Church is to be a prophetic witness to God's love, not a spokesperson for the nation state. 
It would seem that this incident could be an important teaching moment for so many.  I pray that you will use it to that end.
. 
Kara Speltz,

cc: Fr. Thomas Clifford, S.J.

"A Church that doesn't provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of society in which it is being proclaimed, what gospel is that? Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980)