On Fr. Reese, Former Editor of America

The resignation/termination of the editor of America has sparked sharp criticism from all over. It is being used to attack the Pope. They claim that this is an unjust policy of silencing intellectual discussion. Such critics who say this are instead being unjust, and they're talking loud -- not smart. Imagine that this editor was the ambassador of the United States of America to some middle eastern country. Let's say he publishes a newsletter for general release. In it he facilitates debate about American policies. He lets dissenting voices have their say in the newsletter. Of course, he also lets pro-American views be published. After 7 years, he resigns or is terminated, partly because of his conflict of interest, but also because it's standard procedure to rotate ambassadors every 6 or 7 years. Will there also be furor? Will the government be labelled unjust? Isn't it true that it is exactly against the office of an ambassador to invite dissent against his employers' policies, and it is in his job description to defend those policies? Wouldn't it be fair to say that he has betrayed the trust given him? That jesuit editor is an ambassador of the Catholic Church. He's supposed to defend the Church. He's trained to do so and, as a priest and jesuit, had vowed to do so. Suggested reading: Fr. Neuhaus on Fr. Reese.