Over at Sobering Thoughts, Paul Tuns leaked the following section from my upcoming Interim column:
"Yet if Terri's execution sets such a dangerous precedent, it is in part because Bishop Robert Lynch has been asleep at the crozier. As the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, he bears responsibility for Terriís spiritual care. It is up to Bishop Lynch to defend Terriís dignity as a human person as well as Terri's religious rights as a Catholic. Nevertheless, the Bishopís response thus far has been a little less than pitiful.
For example, let us look at the following excerpt from Bishop Lynch's statement of February 28th, 2005, as posted to the Diocese of St. Petersburg website: 'As the local bishop and pastor for all the family parties involved, I would like to add the following. At the end of the day (the judicial, legislative days) the decision to remove Terri's artificial feeding tube will be that of her husband, Michael. It is he who will give the order, not the courts or certainly the governor or legislature or the medical personnel surrounding and caring for Terri. In other words, as I have said from the beginning of this sad situation, the decision will be made within a family. A significant part of that family feels they are outside of the decision-making process and they are in great pain and suffering mightily.'
Had Terri been a convicted murderer on her way to the execution chamber, Bishop Lynch would have readily, publically, and unambiguously condemned the taking of her life. But Terri is no convicted criminal, and Bishop Lynch is no St. Francis de Sales. Rather he acts as timidly towards Terri as the Apostles towards Our Lord during the Passion. And just as Our Lord found Himself alone before Pontius Pilate, Terri now finds herself alone before Judge Greer. May God have mercy upon our brothers and sisters with special needs."
If only Terri had been a male triathlete, then maybe Bishop Lynch would have shown her some compassion.
I have been disabled from a spinal cord injury for nearly 26 years now. I assure you this Holy Week is no picnic for me when I watch the slow-motion murder of Terri Schiavo. Lincoln was shot on a Good Friday and died the following morning...perhaps a similar event will take place in our day. Indeed she is a victim-soul on behalf of all of us, abled or otherwise.