The More Things Change, the More they Stay the Same

The following blog is from Janelle Lazzo of Roeland Park, Kansas as a response to the recent column by Archbishop Neumann.

The Catholic Church strongly endorses the separation of Church and state.

That is why it is very troubling to Catholics when a bishop uses his authority, which he possesses in great measure, to publicly excoriate one of those for whom he should be a pastor.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has gone out of her way to proclaim herself as pro-life. But she is also a strong advocate for the rights of her constituents to make free choices. As an elected leader, the protection of these rights is her responsibility, as long as Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.

As a Catholic, I resent the Archbishop’s action in publicly suggesting that Governor Sebelius keep herself from reception of the Eucharist, the center of our faith. Just as he seems to be following his conscience, so should she be allowed to follow hers. John F. Kennedy said in 1960 that he was the “Democratic Party’s candidate for President who happens also to be a Catholic.”



Kathleen Sebelius is the elected leader of the state of Kansas who also happens to be a Catholic. No one should interfere with her practice of her Faith. Church and state should remain separate!

Janelle Lazzo is a Catholic member of the MAINstream Coalition. We encourage other Catholic Members of MAINstream to join Janell in posting his or her personal thoughts and feelings about this recent matter on the MAINstream Blog. Please email the office if interested.