CAN PETITION

We delivered a copy of the CAN ad to the Chancery today, asking to meet with Bishop Hermann. We were told that he was unable to meet with us because we didn't have an appointment. We left the ad for his secretary and asked that he take a look at it this afternoon.

We then went to the offices of the Review and met first with Eric Zyk, the advertising salesman, and then with Jim Rygelski, the editor of the paper. He spent about an hour-and-a-half with us in a very interesting conversation about dialogue. In the end, he told us he could not accept the ad for publication but would talk with Bishop Hermann about it. We expect to hear on Tuesday that the Bishop concurs with Rygelski's decision not to run the ad.

Marie Andrews, Bill Ramsey, Megan Heeney, and Sean Collins would all say it was a productive and surprising visit to the Review. Clearly, we touched some journalistic buttons with Rygelski who seemed genuinely interested in exploring some of the issues we raise in the ad. He said he prides himself on the paper's historical responsibility to report the news -- including issues opposed to official Church teaching, while at the same time presenting Church teaching clearly.

He was respectful, engaged, curious, and seemed to be listening. He also seemed to be impressed that the four of us were showing the same degree of respect and concern for the Church.

I called Jim today and received an e-mail informing me that he would have a chance to speak with Bishop Hermann tomorrow and would get back to us about the conversation.

We will continue collecting signatures. If anyone has ideas on what we can do with this petition next please e-mail can@catholicactionnetwork.org Thank you!

Patience please:
Due to a file compatibility issue, the petition with signatures listed cannot be posted here. Watch for a link.
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