Faith, Truth, and Integrity: An Urgent Plea to Warren County Catholics

In May 1959, I embraced the Catholic faith at the Holy Cathedral of Paul the Apostle during a Mediterranean cruise. After my return, I joined St. John’s Parish when its membership was likely under 200. I’ve always held fond memories of the parish.

However, I’m deeply concerned about a troubling trend within St. John the Baptist Parish. This trend seems to be sowing more division than unity in the Warren County community. There’s a group within the Parish asserting their independence from the official church, yet their covert political activism doesn’t reflect the honor of our faith. Their actions, both spoken and written, seem intended to intimidate locals.

Recently, I came across a flyer from a local resident, which appeared to have been manipulated to fit the political motives of this group. I’ve seen other manipulated documents, but I can’t attribute them directly to this group. My understanding is that the Virginia State Police are currently investigating this matter.

I write this letter because, as Catholics, we should exemplify our faith’s high standards. We should be the “salt and light” in our community. Instead, this group’s actions tarnish our reputation.

While I wholeheartedly support our Church’s Pro-Life values and principles, I also believe in the importance of truth and integrity. I cannot find any clause in our Constitution mandating church and state separation, so my issue isn’t about political inactivity. But any political engagement must be genuine, free from deception.

I urge my fellow Catholics to engage in community matters with transparency, abiding by the principles of our faith and God’s commandments.

Bill Hammack
Front Royal, VA
Saint Petersburg, FL

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