Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

On September 5, 2024, a letter from a bishop addressed the issue of partiality and its implications on faith and community. The bishop referred to St. James' teachings on partiality, equating it with segregation. "The sins of partiality segregate or separate us from one another and in so doing, separate us from God," the letter stated.

The bishop emphasized that this form of sin is not a mere preference but a significant barrier to unity within God's family. He cited Isaiah's call for impartiality and service to others, urging believers to care for their neighbors and friends, rather than seeking out distant missions. "These people are not in another country or another part of the city. They are our neighbors, our friends," he wrote.

Pope Francis was also quoted in the letter, highlighting the Christian vocation as being "the good fragrance of Christ" through virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). However, the Pope warned that Christians sometimes spread "the bad odor of their own sin."

Regarding impartiality in action, Pope Francis described such individuals as loving and joyful people who make peace and welcome everyone without pride or stinginess. The bishop connected this teaching to contemporary issues by addressing Florida Amendment 4. This amendment will appear on Florida’s November 2024 ballot and proposes legalizing full-term abortion without protections for preborn children.

"The Florida bishops urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment," the letter stated. The bishops argue that opposing this amendment would protect both unborn children and women from the harms associated with abortion.

The bishop concluded by invoking Mary, Mother of God, encouraging believers to embrace God's Word fully and fulfill their mission with fidelity. He underscored that faith in Jesus Christ is essential for bringing forth life's beauty.

To learn more about Amendment 4, readers were directed to click on an unspecified link.