Rev. Joachim Lally, CSP writes to Bishop Lori, Dr. Dames and Mrs. Jakab

Oct. 15, ‘05

Most Rev. William E. Lori
The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Ave.
Bridgeport , Ct -06606

Dear Bishop Lori:

Peace! I am writing in support of Stephen Kobasa, a teacher at Kolbe Cathedral High School who was just recently fired for not keeping the American flag up in his classroom.

It's interesting that I received this notice about Steve right before the weekend with the Gospel story about the rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. It is my personal opinion that we as church need to be careful of too close an alignment with our government. This is especially evident in light of the recent preemptive strike on Iraq of which Pope John Paul II clearly stated he did not think it should have been done. When we add this to the terrible torturing done in Iraq prisons and to the fact that over 10,000 innocent Iraqi citizens have been killed during this conflict I am not feeling proud of our country at this time.

It seems to me that the separation of church and state is an issue we need to revisit in light of today's developments in war and our economy. I believe Steve was trying to make this point with the symbolism of the flag. He has certainly paid the price for his convictions and I respect him for these convictions.

I hope that you will be able to revisit this decision to fire Steve and that hopefully he can be restored to his teaching position.

Sincerely in Christ,
     Rev. Joachim Lally, C.S.P
     Good Shepherd Catholic Church
     Inwood (Manhattan) New York City