Expert: Charlie B - 5/26/2010

Question
Recently my family has gone through a religious revealing and become close the the catholic church.  We have always claimed to be catholic but never really practiced it until recently.  I was through some retreats that took place in our parish called Juan XXIII.  I have not lived the experience but all my brothers and sisters as well as my parents have.  I have a sister in law that is and has always been a Jehova Witness, she has never tried to impose her religion upon any of us.  But since the new claimed catholisism my father and sister attack her alot and no longer want to spend time with her and her children due to her religion.  One of the things that I used to respect about the catholic church is that we did not judge other religions.  I am confused on where they are getting this new belief of not wanting to be around jehova witnesses.  Are we really supposed to disown them if they are our family members and do not want to convert?  Is there anywhere I can look to for more information about these issues.  Does the church come before the family???

Answer
Lety,
Thanks for your question.  Yes, the 2nd Vatican Council meant for the Catholic Church to come to understand, appreciate and value other religions.

You father and family's decision to shun the sister who is a Jehovah's Witness is their decision, and has nothing to do with the fact that their Catholics per se.  In their disappointment that your sister doesn't share their faith, they've chosen the low road of shunning her ... and incorrectly.  

Is it hypocritical to be Catholic and act this way?  Yes, but we're all human and despite our Faith will sometimes act in opposition to what our church teaches.  The church doesn't come before the family -- it is part of the family.  

By your family showing your non-Catholic sister love and compassion, this more than anything will attract her to the Faith.
God bless,
Charlie