I Request Help from Cardinal Ratzinger

August 1989

When the “New Creation Series on Sex Education” was submitted to Rome for review by a Canon Law organization, Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reviewed “New Creation” only from a doctrinal perspective. Parents were disappointed with his narrow response, “The program does not appear to be problematic from a doctrinal point of view,” writes Cardinal Ratzinger. Cardinal Gagnon was in total disagreement with Cardinal Ratzinger. Cardinal Ratzinger never responded to my letter.

MRS. EDWARD GRAYSON
33 AUDUBON LANE
Belmont, Massachusetts 02178

August 2, 1989

His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Prefect – The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
00120 Vatican City State, Europe

Your Eminence:

Last year, my young son, (age 13) was exposed to “sexuality education” based on a text called “Understanding Sex and Sexuality” by Nancy Hennessy Cooney and Anne Bingham (signer of a pro-abortion ad in the New York Times).

Despite my objection, the text was used. During the year, I wrote this formal review of her book, which has been distributed by Catholics United for Faith (enclosed).

A few weeks ago, the headmaster sent to me the enclosed newspaper article with no comment. Again, enclosed is my response to him.

From my perspective, your qualified statement of “the program not appearing to be problematic from the doctrinal point of view,” which can only be understood as a cautious, conservative observation by rational people, has been abused unmercifully by the media and by those who have implemented this text, such as my son’s headmaster at St. Sebastian’s.

I would urge you to make a stronger statement with regard to the dangers of this book and come to the aid of parents, such as me, who have invested long, heart-breaking hours fighting the evil these kinds of books and accompanied teaching have brought about. The family, our domestic Church, is under attack from all side: the children’s friends, the media, materialism, and a pleasure-oriented society. I for one am a mother who is desperate for Church leaders, such as yourself, to confirm what I know is holy and good.

I hope you will consider my request.

Sincerely and with respect,

Alice A. Grayson