Local project about 'hardworking families'

What's that cool sensation I'm noticing today? Wait! I think it's the breath of fresh air ushered in by the Oklahoma Gazette's spot-on story (News, Greg Horton, "Organizing controversy") about the Oklahoma Sponsoring Committee (OSC) on Aug. 18. Your accuracy and level, fair-minded reporting are greatly appreciated.

I would like to clarify one point: You correctly related Archbishop Eusebius Beltran's early response to controversy around OSC " that is, his early noncommittal comment that he would "neither recommend parishes to join nor will I ask the others to withdraw" (Sooner Catholic, March, 22, 2009).

However, in September 2009, upon further reflection, the archbishop indeed did follow up with a strong statement of support. At that time, Archbishop Beltran acknowledged that similar Industrial Areas Foundation-affiliated organizations in other cities "have withstood the test of time and proven to be solid and helpful for people, for the Church mission and for the local societies."

He further noted, "I want to encourage the committees of the six parishes as representatives of the Catholic Church to continue their efforts of being witnesses and leaven in the world. I thank your pastors for their commitment to Catholic Social Teaching" (Sooner Catholic, Sept. 27, 2009).

The OSC project is all about the hardworking families of Oklahoma. We are excited about moving forward.
"Linda Redington Clark
Oklahoma City

Clark is a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and co-chair of the Oklahoma Sponsoring Committee.

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