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Ouster troubles prominent Catholic journalists.

Article Excerpt
Those who serve or have served as editors of Catholic publications have very decided views on Jesuit Fr. Tom Reese's forced departure, and the secrecy surrounding what transpired and the grounds for the decision.

At U.S. Catholic magazine, published by the Claretians, executive editor Meinrad Scherer-Emunds said, "The forced resignation of Fr. Tom Reese from the editorship at America magazine is a sad, disappointing and to some degree shocking development.

"It causes great concern for the editorial freedom and mission of Catholic publications in general and for publications that are owned and supported by religious orders in particular. Here at U.S. Catholic magazine we have the utmost respect for Father Tom and his leadership at America magazine. During his tenure we have experienced him as a most supportive colleague and friend and have on several occasions sought out his counsel and used him as an important professional resource.

"Father Tom is no loose cannon and no flaming liberal or radical," said Scherer-Emunds, "but a trusted and knowledgeable expert on a broad range of Catholic issues. In his job at America magazine he has proved himself as a moderate and extremely fair-minded editor who has taken meticulous care to balance any articles on controversial topics with perspectives from all different viewpoints. That always included a clear representation of the church's teaching on any given issue. That, nonetheless, he is being forced out for providing that kind of forum for intelligent debate on issues of concern to American Catholics today sends a chilling message.

"Regardless of their positions on the various issues within the articles that caught the attention of the Vatican, few American Catholics support a prohibition of a discussion of these important church issues. I don't know...