Just in time for the pope’s visit, The Journal News has decided to conduct an online survey of non-Catholics. The newspaper, which covers the Lower Hudson New York counties of Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, posted the following online survey on March 25 and March 26:
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Are you a lapsed Catholic? As part of The Journal News’ coverage of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to New York next month, we’re hoping to interview Roman Catholics who consider themselves lapsed or non-practicing on their views about the pope’s visit. If you’re willing to be interviewed please contact Ernie Garcia at elgarcia@lohud.com
Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows:
“This is a gift the pope will surely cherish—knowing how ex-Catholics feel about their former religion. We’d like to return the favor and that is why we have secured the e-mails of 134 Journal News employees, ranging from the Publisher, Michael J. Fisch, to the Gardening & Horticultural Editor, Gayle Williams (sorry, Gayle, but someone has to be last). We are sending them the following survey:
Protestants: Given that no religious group switches denominations more than Protestants, can you tell us what it feels like to bounce around from one contiguous neighborhood to another in search of the ideal church.
Jews: Given that the vast majority of Jews do not attend synagogue and that 52 percent of them intermarry, can you tell us what it feels like to be a non-Jewish Jew.
Muslims: Given that Muslims who convert may be murdered, can you tell us if you’ve at least fantasized about converting.
“Please vet your remarks by first reporting to Ernie Garcia. We have appointed Ernie The Journal News liaison to the Catholic League.”
