Message from Fr. Frank Pavone on the Nomination of Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court

Thankfully, President Bush has selected Judge John Roberts, a highly qualified nominee, to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Judge Roberts understands the difference between applying laws and rewriting them. He understands that he cannot rewrite the Constitution to fit his own personal political opinions, but that instead he must faithfully adhere to it.

Now, his nomination will go to the Senate where Republicans and Democrats will engage in a vigorous debate about his qualifications and his judicial philosophy. Unfortunately, however, history suggests that some Senators will use that opportunity to engage in personal attacks. One of the most vicious and out of place attacks will likely be launched on his faith and pro-life convictions.

The Constitution prohibits religious tests for federal office, but some have used the "deeply held beliefs" of judicial nominees against them in the confirmation process. It is bad enough that they would engage in such bigotry for lower court nominees, but doing so now would effectively mean that anyone who is faithful to any religion would be automatically disqualified from service on the Supreme Court. We must not allow this to happen!

If those Senators are unable to enlist enough fellow Senators to apply their outdated religious test, they may well engage in a tactic known as the filibuster. If they choose to go this route, it would mean that they would deny this highly qualified nominee the constitutional requirement of a fair, up-or-down vote on the floor of the Senate. These tactics have been abused for lower court nominees, and there is now a danger that such obstructionist tactics will again be employed.

Please contact your Senators today to tell them that religious bigotry has no place in the confirmation process and that Judge Roberts deserves an up-or-down vote.