P.C. Squared

A necessary preface: This is written with regret, not in a spirit of confrontation. It could scarcely be otherwise. I take great pride in my “connections” with the Catholic peace movement, and in particular with Pax Christi USA — first as co-­founder, then as long-term officer, and twice as re­cipient of the organization’s honorary citations. The issue I address is one I have been arguing for more than five years without being able to open it up for “in house” discussion and consideration by the member­ship. If I now feel obliged to bring it to “outside” attention and discussion, it is only because I consider the issue too important to pass ignored.

In no sense does my doing so imply a lessening of commitment to an organization I regard as the foremost expression and greatest hope of the Catholic peace movement and the ideals to which I have de­voted my more than 50 years of personal witness, speaking, and writing. Moreover, I intend to remain a member and active supporter for whatever time re­mains for me. Nor, it should be noted, does this essay imply a lack of respect for those who differ with me.

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The issue under consideration relates to Pax Christi’s policy requiring the use of inclusive language in its communications and publications. My objection is not to the policy, but to its application. I was a member of the National Council when the policy was adopted. I voted for it, and even argued for it. I still support it as a general and official policy — with one crucial exception.

I reject as an abuse of editorial privilege and an act of literary violence any decision to “censor” or impose “correction” upon material or references pre­sented as an exact quotation from previously published writings or statements. I insist that in claiming direct attribution — either by the use of quotation marks or identification as an “excerpt” or “reprint” — both scholarly and editorial integrity demand that the material used be presented exactly as originally spo­ken or published.