"John Hagee, the controversial Evangelical pastor who endorsed John McCain, will issue a letter of apology to Catholics today for inflammatory remarks he has made, including accusing the Roman Catholic Church of supporting Adolf Hitler and calling it “The Great Whore.” (See a copy of the letter PDF.)" Here's more 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.”
In the letter, addressed to Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League and one of Hagee’s biggest critics, Hagee pledges “a greater level of compassion and respect for my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Hagee met with 22 Catholic leaders in Washington on Friday to apologize for his comments, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Despite the McCain’s condemnation of Hagee’s anti-Catholic remarks, the campaign had no role in that meeting or Tuesday’s apology, according to the source who said it was something Hagee did because he felt it was necessary.
Donohue is expected to release a letter in response today, accepting Hagee’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.
* Here is the relevant snippet from an interview with McCain:
“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.”
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