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Articles by John Wester
The Arcadian Encounter: Debut Science Fiction Saga from Navy Veteran John Wester Already Creating a Buzz
A powerful alien warrior stands ready for battle amid an explosive interstellar conflict in The Arcadian Encounter by John Wester. The Author of this great piece of writing. "Where function meets form: every detail crafted to tell a story at a glance." Submarine veteran brings a Clancy-esque touch to military sci-fi. The Arcadian Encounter, debut novel by John A.
We support our Muslim neighbors' right to worship
In recent weeks, I have heard concerns from some residents regarding the proposal to build a mosque and community center in the North Valley of Albuquerque. As archbishop of Santa Fe and a resident of Albuquerque, I feel compelled to speak clearly and pastorally: Our Muslim neighbors have the same God‑given and constitutionally protected right to worship freely as every other faith community, including our own. Defending that right is not only a civic duty but a core element of Catholic teaching.
Archbishop Wester: The church must draw closer to L.G.B.T.Q. people
In 1 Samuel 3, we hear a scriptural lesson we would do well to heed today. In the silence of the night, the young Samuel hears a voice calling to him, a call he did not initially recognize as the Lord’s. It takes the elder Eli, a man of experience and humility, to listen and help the boy discern that God was indeed speaking. In my years of episcopal ministry, I have come to realize that we bishops are called to be like Eli. The bishop’s charism is not merely to dictate, but to discern.
LGBTQ
Posted inFaith and Reason I recently attended a meeting in Racine, Wis., organized by New Ways Ministry, that deepened my pastoral concern, understanding and right judgment about the lives of L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics. Posted inNews Speaking to journalists in Rome May 6, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was asked if the Vatican intends to impose sanctions on the German bishops after the continued promotion of a handbook for blessing same-sex couples.
Synod on Synodality
Posted inFaith and Reason I recently attended a meeting in Racine, Wis., organized by New Ways Ministry, that deepened my pastoral concern, understanding and right judgment about the lives of L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics. Posted inFaith in Focus Leo tells us the the church must bear witness to its own social teaching by becoming a more synodal church.
Speak out on pit production at hearing
Today there is a public hearing in Santa Fe for the draft Plutonium Pit Production Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, made possible by Nuclear Watch New Mexico’s successful lawsuit. Plutonium “pits” are the fissile cores of nuclear weapons. Their production has been the choke point of U.S. industrial-scale nuclear weapons production ever since a 1989 FBI raid investigating environmental crimes shut down the notorious Rocky Flats Plant near Denver.
Column: Funding Freeze on Legal Aid for Civil Cases Has Broad Implications for Our Justice System
Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in The News & Observer of Raleigh and The Charlotte Observer. It was authored by John Wester and is signed by seven other leaders in the legal profession across North Carolina. They are listed below. “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” kAmk6>mp>@D diack^6>mk^Am kAmx?
Catholic bishops remind political leaders that nuclear weapons are immoral.
Catholic bishops remind political leaders that nuclear weapons are immoral. our new Pope Leo XIV said, “Nuclear arms offend our shared humanity and also betray the dignity of creation, whose harmony we are called to safeguard.” Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago.
80 years on: The immorality of nuclear weapons
Greetings New Mexicans. The Lord’s blessings upon you. I am writing to you from Hiroshima, Japan, on the 80th anniversary of its horrific atomic bombing. All wars are against Christ’s teachings. Two wrongs (including Japanese atrocities in World War II) never make a right.
Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ betrays the poor. The church must oppose it.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a budget reconciliation bill that is contrary to Catholic social teaching. The bill is now waiting to be debated in the Senate. It should be strongly opposed. Moreover, the church and the bishops of the United States should lead the way in speaking against this bill and calling on Catholics to work for its defeat.
North Carolina legal leaders: Judges and the rule of law are under threat Original
Today, we along with 56 other North Carolina justices, judges, and lawyers released a public statement entitled "The Rule of Law - Indispensable to Democracy" (link at bottom). We invite our fellow citizens to read it in full and to share it with family, friends, and neighbors. Our signers represent the full range of the profession.
Eight decades of nuclear threats are too much
I am John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe. I’m speaking on behalf of my archdiocese, and the archbishop of Seattle, the bishop of Hiroshima, and the archbishop of Nagasaki. We take guidance from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who has declared the very possession of nuclear weapons to be immoral. We pray for his health. Two years ago, in Nagasaki, on the 78th anniversary of its atomic bombing, we Catholic leaders formally created the Partnership for a World without Nuclear Weapons.
No Glue in the Classroom: A Commonality Conundrum | JD Supra
Glue is an object commonly found in schools, yet the “glue” that binds class action commonality appears to be a scarce commodity for students with disabilities and their parents.
On Trinity test anniversary, U.S. should rethink national priorities
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We're turning judges into politicians in NC, and it's harmful Original
The seal of the Supreme Court of North Carolina is seen in their courtroom at the Justice Building in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, May 9, 2022. ehyman@newsobserver.com If Paul Revere were riding through North Carolina today, he might well be warning: "The ads are coming! The ads are coming!" Though we are accustomed to recurring commercials for governor and legislative offices, ads for statewide judicial races have not landed at nearly the same pace. Until now.
Sight-Seeing: Three Catholic bishops and a nun walk into the White House. Here’s why it’s no joke.
US Catholic Archbishop JOHN C WESTER, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says we commit grave harm against ourselves through environmental destruction and we go against God’s plan for us… United States Via RNS Three Catholic bishops and a nun walked into a climate policy meeting at the White House. This isn’t the beginning of a joke.
Three Catholic bishops and a nun walk into the White House. Here's why it's no joke. Original
(RNS) — Three Catholic bishops and a nun walked into a climate policy meeting at the White House. This isn’t the beginning of a joke. Bishop Edward Weisenburger of Tucson, Arizona, Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima, Washington, and St. Joseph Sister Carol Zinn, executive director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and I really did go to the White House on Nov. 17, with support from communications specialist Lonnie Ellis.
The Now-Traditional Argument About Non-Traditional Harms—No Answer In Sight | JD Supra
Our colleague Erik Zimmerman reported in an earlier post the memorable declaration from defense counsel in TransUnion, LLC v. Ramirez, 594 U.S. 413 (2021): when a legal violation results in no harm, those involved should “break out the champagne,” not “break out a lawsuit.” In TransUnion, decided in 2021, the Supreme Court grappled with a question that has vexed federal courts in recent years: how much leeway should plaintiffs have to bring federal suits based on “intangible harms”?
Shared faith calls for unity against cultural violence
The violence witnessed in Rio Arriba County on Sept. 28, stemming from the reinstallation of a statue, should raise alarms for everyone, regardless of our ancestral histories and current ideologies. We pray for the families who experienced this violence and for the family of the shooter. In the midst of this sad event, we should cling to the hope of dialogue and communal respect and love experienced in 2018, with the redefining of the Santa Fe Fiesta and Entrada.
Nesvit v. PFJ Southeast LLC et al
Plaintiff: Vasyl Nesvit Defendant: PFJ Southeast LLC doing business as Pilot Travel Center 275, Pilot Travel Centers LLC doing business as Pilot Flying J, Donald Lackey, A & Associates, Inc., Christopher Worley, Shamel Jean, John Doe 1 and John Does 2-5 Case Number: 3:2023cv00575 Filed: September 13, 2023 Court: US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Presiding Judge: Robert J Conrad Referring Judge: Susan C Rodriguez Nature of Suit: P.I.: Other Cause of Action: 28 U.S.C....
A Class Action Sleeper Issue Might Be Waking Up | JD Supra
The Sixth Circuit appears poised to become the fourth federal court of appeals to reject the use of the “juridical link” doctrine as a means to establish Article III standing in a class action. The doctrine, a seldom-used class action legal concept, recognizes an exception to the ordinary Article III standing requirements in instances in which “all defendants are juridically related in a manner that suggests a single resolution of the dispute would be expeditious.” Thompson v. Bd. of Educ.
Nuclear Weapons Disarmament Is a ‘Pro-Life Issue’
IN NOVEMBER, a stray missile from the Russia-Ukraine war landed in Poland, killing two men in their 60s who worked at a grain warehouse. It took several emergency meetings with NATO officials to determine whether Russia had intentionally escalated the war into the region of the Western military alliance. All parties deemed it an “accident.” (The missile came from Ukraine.) What if that stray missile had a nuclear warhead?
Catholic Church Should Baptize Children of Same-Sex Couples
The Great Commission, as presented at the end of the Gospel of Matthew (cf. 28:16-20), could easily be called "The Great Gift," as the risen and ascended Christ, who possesses "all power in heaven and on earth," empowers the disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Read Full Article » Show comments Hide Comments
President Biden Should Let His Faith Guide Him Toward Nuclear Disarmament
When I traveled to Japan in 2017 for a vacation with two bishop friends, I was not prepared for what I witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I heard the stories of survivors of the nuclear blasts and stood at the charred remnants of the Genbaku Dome at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
The time for nuclear disarmament is now
In September 2017, I traveled to Japan and visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was a somber, sobering experience as I realized that on Aug. 6, 1945, humanity crossed the line into the darkness of the nuclear age. Historically, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has been part of a peace initiative, one that would help make sure these weapons would never be used again. I believe it is time to rejuvenate that peace work.
Bishops call for stronger methane rules
We must care for one another and future generations. Caring for neighbors and God’s creation is a sacred and moral duty. That is why the oil and gas air pollution rules are so important in our state. In September, the Environmental Improvement Board will finalize regulations to cut ozone-forming volatile organic compounds and methane, helping protect our air and climate and the health of New Mexico families.
Here's why a former Catholic Charities head opposes excluding LBGTQ adoptive parents
The recent Supreme Court decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia affirms that Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia can continue to discriminate against gay and lesbian foster and adoptive parents and get paid to do so. The ruling was unanimous, but narrow in scope.
In NC, low-income people have poor access to attorneys | Charlotte Observer Original
Legal Aid cases often involve basic human needs such as food, income, or shelter. JJ Gouin Getty Images/iStockphoto A client of Legal Aid of North Carolina lived with her grown son and teenage daughter. She had always had a job until she got sick, and her doctor advised that continuing to work on her feet was harming her health. Her son worked in manufacturing to support the family, but when the pandemic struck, his plant shut down.
The danger of partisan judicial races in North Carolina
The concept of judges as politicians runs contrary to our Founders’ ideal that those who serve in courts would not serve partisan goals. Getty Images The judges on our ballots tend to draw little notice, especially this fall as we face deep political divisions and the tragedy of COVID-19. Our current judicial elections hold high significance, however, even on the numbers alone. On the 2016 ballot, only one seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court was open.
The danger of partisan judicial races in North Carolina
The concept of judges as politicians runs contrary to our Founders’ ideal that those who serve in courts would not serve partisan goals. Getty Images The judges on our ballots tend to draw little notice, especially this fall as we face deep political divisions and the tragedy of COVID-19. Our current judicial elections hold high significance, however, even on the numbers alone. On the 2016 ballot, only one seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court was open.
JODICE: Good medicine: How school choice benefits education
Imagine if you couldn’t choose your health care provider. Instead, you’d be zoned to a clinic or hospital based solely on your home address. Medical providers there would supply all your health care needs: annual exams, scans, surgery, treatment. If you received a worrisome diagnosis, you’d need to forego a second opinion from a physician at another facility — unless you could afford to pay all costs out of pocket. It sounds absurd, right? What if you had cancer? What if your child did?
North Carolina shouldn't turn judges into politicians | Charlotte Observer
Today’s news accounts and our daily conversations reflect a time of deep division for the direction of our state and nation. Accompanying this division is a flood of information from the press and social media, narrowing the attention span of citizens for subjects deserving far more attention than they receive. One such subject is protecting the independence of our judiciary.
WESTER: John J. Parker, the last Supreme Court pick from NC
On April 10, Justice Anthony Kennedy swore in Judge Neil Gorsuch as the 113th Justice of the United States the Supreme Court. The solemnity of that moment contrasted sharply with the weeks of tumult preceding it. Several colleagues have asked me whether, and when, a North Carolinian served or was nominated for service on the Supreme Court. John J. Parker is North Carolina’s last citizen nominated to the Supreme Court, 87 years ago.
WESTER: John J. Parker, the last Supreme Cout pick from NC
On April 10, Justice Anthony Kennedy swore in Judge Neil Gorsuch as the 113th Justice of the United States the Supreme Court. The solemnity of that moment contrasted sharply with the weeks of tumult preceding it. Several colleagues have asked me whether, and when, a North Carolinian served or was nominated for service on the Supreme Court. John J. Parker is North Carolina’s last citizen nominated to the Supreme Court, 87 years ago.
Jefferson Post, West Jefferson NC - www.jeffersonpost.com
Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in last election for one of the six races for seats on the N.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information — or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Your Daily Journal, Rockingham NC - www.yourdailyjournal.com
Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident that the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information — or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Anson Record, Wadesboro NC - www.ansonrecord.com
Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident that the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information — or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Commentary: Why it’s time for judicial review
John Wester Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information, or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Sampson Independent, Clinton NC - www.clintonnc.com
Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information — or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Jefferson Post, West Jefferson NC - www.jeffersonpost.com
Although many of us have participated in polls recently, may I ask one more question: if you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information – or information of a slanted and specious nature.
Column: Why it's time for judicial reform
By John Wester If you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose?Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I am confident the vast majority of our state’s residents confront this part of the ballot with minimal information—or information of a slanted and specious nature.Our state’s political parties are filling the void.
Why North Carolina citizens shouldn’t vote for state judges | The Charlotte Observer
Although you may be weary, may I ask one more question: If you voted in one of the six races for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, how did you choose? Based on the number of friends and family members who expressed bewilderment about these races, I believe the vast majority of our state’s citizens confront this part of the ballot with minimal information – or information of a slanted, specious nature. Our state’s political parties are filling the void.
Archbishop John Wester: For many reasons, it's time for the death penalty to die
In my years of ministering to individuals and families, I have walked the long journey through grief with the survivors of violent crime, those who were victims and those who lost family members to horrific acts. Healing from such trauma is neither easy nor quick. It is even more difficult when, through no fault of the family, the crime is replayed over and over in the media and the courts as a death sentence for the perpetrator is litigated, appealed and re-appealed for decades.
John Wester: Consider Garland nomination - Greensboro News & Record: Columnists
Thus far, the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court has hit a “nothing doing” from Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell — a position he advanced within hours of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia Feb. 13. McConnell and his colleague Sen. Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have maintained that the Senate should not consider — much less confirm — a replacement for Scalia until after the election.
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