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Catholic community uneasy about anonymous letters

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The letter, in its entirety, appears here.

By Rachel Mergen

 

“Dear Catholic Friend: How are you? I’m writing today concerning Roman Catholicism. I have studied the Holy Bible for over 34 years now. I feel compelled to share my findings here with you in this letter.” This was the opening of a letter  placed on churchgoers cars in the St. Gabriel’s Church parking lot in Prairie du Chien Aug. 20.

The letter included harsh anti-Catholic statements as follows. “In these passages we see one must first believe in the Lord Jesus Christ before they can be baptized. Infant baptism is not taught anywhere in our New Testament. It does not wash away original sin. It is simply another false doctrine, wrongly taught by Roman Catholicism.” “Jesus was not talking about eating and drinking His literal body and blood here...This is a cannibalistic, gross, false teaching.”  “To recite the Apostles Creed is unscriptural, propagandizing, brain-washing. Note: German Naziism, Russian Communism, Satanic ritualism and Catholic recitualism all have one thing in common. They indoctrinate intensively and thoroughly using propagandizing brain-washing techniques. Does this greatly anger you? Then, perhaps, consider thinking for yourself, alright?”

In response to the mysterious letter, whose writer has not been identified, Facebook erupted with comments of support toward the church.

A post from Teresa Champion, St. Gabriel’s parishioner, said, “What I am asking is to respect others. We do not all have to agree on our doctrines to have respect for one another. I do not have to convince you of my way, nor you me. I believe all Christians are the Body of Christ. He loves us all. He died for us all. There has been division since the beginning, let us not attack each other, but love one another.”

The post also included Champion’s responses to some of the points made in the letter, covering topics like the supposed 666 numerical value of the Pope’s title “Vicarius Filii Dei” and the past sexual abuse cases that have come out about former leaders in the catholic religion.

Champion’s post helped bring members of the community together, with comments, including, “So sad that someone would do such a cowardly act in our community. Believe as you wish, but, don’t discourage others’ beliefs because they differ from yours,” stated Julie Whyte, and “That is sad. If they are doing this in the name of God—one word—hypocrites,” wrote Ken Penfield. 

Champion responded to comments, with thoughts similar: “I’m sure they truly believe Catholics are going to hell so they’re worried about our souls. I’ll let Jesus take care of mine.”

A copy of the eight-page letter, which included 45 points and a closing prayer for redemption, has been delivered to the Prairie du Chien Police Department. The case will be investigated this week. 

Father Jim Weighner of St. Gabriel’s and Holy Family Parish, was contacted and said that he has no official comment at this time.

In past cases similar to this, the church has responded with a message in a bulletin to the parishioners.

“I can tell you this, that several people in our parish feel targeted and that’s an uneasy feeling in today’s climate,” Champion added, as the church attendees deal with the emotional affects of the letter they felt was threatening, they’ve learned a lesson on the importance of standing together against hate.

If anyone has information on who wrote and delivered the letter, contact the Prairie du Chien Police Department at  326-2421.

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