Statement from the Diocese of Gallup

****** STATEMENT *****
Diocese of GallupPastoral Center Office
P.O. Box 1338Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Contact: Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor; Lee Lamb, Communications DirectorPhone: 505.863.4406 (office) 505.409.5697 (cell)
E-mail: voicesw@gmail.com
Gallup Diocese Comments on Release of Bishop Pelotte Photos.

The Catholic faithful of our diocese—who have known and loved Bishop Donald Pelotte throughout his 22 years of service to New Mexico and beyond—continue their prayers for him during his ongoing recovery. The publication of the bishop's photos, taken without his consent while he lay in the hospital as a private citizen and medical patient, add unnecessary stress not only to the bishop, but to the people who have intimately loved him as their spiritual father. On the day of July 23, 2007, when Bishop Pelotte was admitted to a Gallup hospital, the physicians attending to him were responsible for his healing; the police who came out of procedure to question and photograph the bishop were there to determine the cause of his injuries; and I was there, as chancellor and as the bishop's spiritual brother to care for him. Let me make it clear that the Catholic Church lives out the Gospel with truth and integrity, and this includes this situation. We are not covering up—as some have alluded to—any information pertaining to the cause or nature of Bishop Pelotte's injuries. It is the responsibility of the emergency services in Gallup to investigate or determine that. Our job as a faithful Catholic people is to continue our spiritual support of our brother, Bishop Donald Pelotte. The only consolation we have in this whole tragic affair is that, like our Lord, Bishop Pelotte is being ridiculed and mistreated. He must surely be identifying closely with the experience of Jesus, whose wounds and nakedness were put on display by the Romans at the Crucifixion.

Deacon Timoteo Lujan
Chancellor and Assistantto the Bishop

Diocese Comments on the Release of Bishop Donald Pelotte Medical Photos

Gallup (July 28, 2008) – We would like to make clear that the impetus for this civil lawsuit between the city of Gallup and Larry Barker, investigative reporter for KRQE, was to answer the question, Are police photos public records or not? Unfortunately, photos taken without the consent of a private citizen—Bishop Donald Pelotte—as a medical patient were used as the example to determine this case. Barker's attorney, Martin Esquivel, made the assertion early on that the city of Gallup's legal action against Barker "undermines the policy behind the Public Records Act that is the duty of public officials to provide people with the greatest information possible regarding governmental affairs." While Bishop Pelotte might be considered a public figure, he is not a public official—and his fall in his private residence last summer was not a governmental affair. Sadly, now that this case has been settled to determine the release of these photos, the question regarding the now use of the photos is to be determined by the media. At this time, the diocese would simply restate the appeal Bishop Thomas Olmsted made to David Pederson, the city attorney for Gallup, on March 16, 2008:

"…Nonetheless, because as I understand it, the Police Department authorized the taking of the photographs without Bishop Pelotte's consent and still possesses them, and out of concern for the personal and human dignity of Bishop Pelotte and his rights as a private citizen, especially his right to privacy, I appeal to the City of Gallup to protect the rights and dignity of Bishop Pelotte.. Given the significant contribution to the welfare of many people in the City of Gallup and beyond over the course of the past 20 years, I am concerned that Bishop Pelotte's good name not be harmed in anyway."


We are aware of the upcoming broadcast interview with Bishop Pelotte conducted by Larry Barker, and the diocese anticipates wider distribution of these photos in the media. Again, we respectfully ask those who are decision-makers within their organization to recognize the decades of service Bishop Pelotte gave to our communities, his dignity as a human being and spiritual leader—and respect his right to privacy.

Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop

We are writing to inform you about some new and exciting features on the Faithful Citizenship Youth web site (www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth)!

1) A new Video Quiz[C1] [C2] [C1]with Steve Angrisano is now posted in the video section. In it, Steve Angrisano, the songwriter, storyteller, and singer of the popular song, “Go Make a Difference” engages teens with questions about faithful citizenship. Rich in both substance and humor, the quiz is a great tool to help young Catholics have a great time while interacting with the important messages of Faithful Citizenship. Promote this quiz with teachers and youth ministry leaders for use with their groups as well as to young people to watch on their own initiative.
2) The Submit Your Photos[C3] [C4] [C2]section of the youth web site is now accepting pictures from Catholic young people to be featured in the Photo Gallery! The Photo Gallery exists to highlight individuals and groups of young people who are putting their faith in action through advocacy, lobbying, letter-writing, education, and other activities to advocate for and with the poor and vulnerable. A pre-written ad/bulletin announcement is attached to this email to send to parishes, schools, and list serves in your diocese.

Thank you for your help in getting the word out about these new resources in your dioceses, schools and parishes!

Joan RosenhauerAssociate DirectorJustice, Peace, & Human Development
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 Fourth Street, NEWashington, DC 20017(Ph.) 202-541-3381(Fax) 202-541-3339

jrosenhauer@usccb.org

Faithful Citizenship Youth Website Seeks Photos of Young Catholicsin Action!
Are you planning to take action in support of human life and dignity in your community? Be sure to take your camera with you! USCCB’s Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Youth Site (www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth) is seeking photos of young Catholics taking action as faithful citizens. Desired photo themes include efforts to advocate for the vulnerable (visiting or contacting your legislators, letter-writing campaigns, rallies, etc.) and education activities to teach others about issues of human life, justice and peace.

Chosen photos will be featured in the Photo Gallery at http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth/action/photos. The Youth web site is a new initiative by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to reach out to young people with the messages of Faithful Citizenship, especially advocacy for justice. Please send your photos today to: jrauh@usccb.org.

[C1]

[C2]http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth/quiz/video

[C3]

[C4]http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/youth/action/photos

Madonna House protests honor given to Canadian abortionist

Order of Canada to be Returned Publicly Tuesday
Peaceful Visit to Rideau Hall For Group Representing Madonna House Founder, Catherine Doherty

OTTAWA (July 7, 2008) – Representatives from Madonna House, a Catholic community based in Combermere, Ontario, will make the journey to Ottawa Tuesday morning to return the Order of Canada medal awarded to founder, Catherine Doherty. Madonna House has a community in the Diocese of Gallup in Winslow, Arizona.

The move is in response to the awarding of one of Canada’s highest honours to Dr. Henry Morgentauler, as announced by the Governor General’s Office on July 1, 2008.

Catherine Doherty (August 15, 1896 – December 14, 1985) was a pioneer of social justice and an internationally acclaimed speaker. In addition to founding the community of Madonna House, she was a prolific writer and best-selling author of dozens of books. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 1976 in recognition of “a lifetime of devoted services to the underprivileged of many nationalities, both in Canada and abroad.” Her cause for canonization as a saint was opened by Bishop Brendan O’Brien, then bishop of the diocese of Pembroke, Ontario, in 2000.

Fr. David May, one of the three directors of Madonna House, commented on the decision to return the medal to the Governor General:

“Catherine Doherty was honoured to receive this award in 1976. She exemplified what the Order of Canada should be about: an individual committed to strengthening the nation by her contribution to the vulnerable and the marginalized. It is only after much prayer and consultation with our community, as well as with heavy hearts, that we are undertaking this action. The Order has been devalued in recent days, and we are confident that Catherine is spiritually present with us, affirming this gesture of love for our country and for the values which alone can sustain it. Without absolute respect for the gift of life, no society can survive.”

Members of the Madonna House community will gather at the entrance to Rideau Hall to present in a symbolic gesture a letter to the Governor General, and will return the Order of Canada pin on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 11 a.m. Media are invited to attend, and representatives of the community will be available for interviews following the return of the medal.

Madonna House, founded in 1947 by Catherine Doherty and her husband, Eddie, is a community of more than 200 laymen, women, and priests dedicated to loving and serving Christ through promises of poverty, chastity and obedience. Each of the community’s missions has a distinct mandate, from offering soup kitchens to places of retreat. All operate in a spirit of prayer, openness, and fellowship. In addition to the original community in Combermere, Ontario, there are 18 field houses (missions) in seven countries around the world.

Additional resources on the life of Catherine Doherty and the Madonna House Apostolate can be found by visiting: www.madonnahouse.org or www.catherinedoherty.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Susanne Stubbs or Larry Klein—Madonna House (613) 756-3713
combermere@madonnahouse.org