Hagee Apologizes to Catholics

John Hagee has issued a written apology to Roman Catholics, addressed to Catholic League president Bill Donohue. From Washington Wire:

“Out of a desire to advance greater unity among Catholics and Evangelicals in promoting the common good, I want to express my deep regret for any comments that Catholics have found hurtful,” Hagee wrote, according to an advanced copy of the letter reviewed by Washington Wire. “After engaging in constructive dialogue with Catholic friends and leaders, I now have an improved understanding of the Catholic Church, its relation to the Jewish faith, and the history of anti-Catholicism.”

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Hagee’s letter explains some of the harsh words he has used when describing the Catholic Church. “I better understand that reference to the Roman Catholic Church as the ‘apostate church’ and the ‘great whore’ described in the book of Revelation” — both terms Hagee has employed — “is a rhetorical device long employed in anti-Catholic literature and commentary,” he wrote.

Follow this link for the full article from Washington Wire, and this link for the full text of Hagee’s apology (PDF).

Hagee’s apology has a ring of sincerity that’s hard to deny. Frankly, my respect for him has gone up several notches. The Catholic League issued an accepting statement:

The tone of Hagee’s letter is sincere. He wants reconciliation and he has achieved it. Indeed, the Catholic League welcomes his apology. What Hagee has done takes courage and quite frankly I never expected him to demonstrate such sensitivity to our concerns. But he has done just that. Now Catholics, along with Jews, can work with Pastor Hagee in making interfaith relations stronger than ever. Whatever problems we had before are now history. This case is closed.

This is good news for those who favor cooperation among Christians.

Of course, mainstream media would probably not be paying attention to Hagee except for his connection to John McCain. In April, Senator McCain attempted to distance himself from Hagee’s statements. From the same Washington Wire article:

McCain addressed the issue in April during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” “Any comments that he made about the Catholic Church I strongly condemn, of course,” McCain said.

“So was it a mistake to solicit and accept his endorsement?” asked host George Stephanopoulos.

“Oh, probably, sure. But I admire and respect Dr. Hagee’s leadership of the — of his church,” McCain said, later adding: “I’m glad to have his endorsement. I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything.”

It’s difficult for me to parse McCain’s words. If anyone can explain what he meant, please do so in the comments.

At her blog, Melissa Rogers writes about Hagees’s apology:

This sounds like a step in the right direction, although I would certainly like to hear from Catholics other than Bill Donohue.

As the piece notes, this issue is relevant to John McCain’s candidacy because McCain sought Hagee’s endorsement and has continued to say that he is glad to have it, even though he has conceded that it “probably” was a mistake to ask for the endorsement.* (If that does not make much sense to you, you are certainly not alone.)

Because candidates seek endorsements for political reasons, it is legitimate to ask McCain about policy issues Hagee has addressed. The next round of questions for McCain should explore areas of agreement and disagreement regarding Hagee’s views on the Middle East.

(Follow this link for her full article.) Rogers is referencing in part Hagee’s opposition to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She addresses this further in a July, 2007 article that includes a copy of a letter to President Bush signed by over thirty evangelical leaders supporting a two-state solution.

McCain should also make clear whether he believes Hagee’s literal reading of Daniel and Revelation should provide the basis for U. S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

HT: Melissa Rogers.