Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Diocese of St. Thomas of Villanova

Communion of Synodal Catholic Churches

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral Friary

6605 Hilltop Dr.

Brookhaven, PA 19015

April, 4, 2017                                                                      Office of the Bishop and Prior General

The Honorable Patrick Toomey

United States Senate

Washington, DC

Dear Senator Toomey,

The citizens of the United States by history and Constitutional law have and need three branches of government equally strong and independent to secure the just administration and interpretation of the law to guarantee all citizens their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The current nominee for the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, has failed to answer important questions of the committee, that lay to rest concerns about his independence from extreme partisan ideology or sympathies to corporate interests. These concerns are further compounded by the fact that he was nominated by an administration currently under FBI investigation for potential illegal collusion with a foreign government and riddled with potential corporate interest scandals.

The citizens of the United States deserve a better nominee to serve in this important life long position. As such, in the interest of the people of faith whom we represent, and in a voice for all those who stand in conscience for the dignity and equality of all people, we implore you to vote no on this confirmation.

Further, in the interest of historical integrity of the honorable body of the United States Senate, we ask you to vote no to any changes in the Senate rules that would reduce the need for bitartisan cooperation for Supreme Court appointments. The Sentate can not be held hostage by threats of the so called “nuclear option.” We urge you to rise above petty threats and follow the long held history of the Senate in negotiating a bipartisan solution to Supreme Court nominees.

Yours, one in mind and heart into God,

(Most Rev.) Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM

Bishop and Prior General

Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Diocese of St. Thomas of Villanova Synodal Catholic Church

Representing the following faith communities of the Diocese of St. Thomas of Villanova Synodal Catholic Church in the Commonwealth Pennsylvania:

St. Augustine Parish

Havertown, PA

St. Rita Parish

Reading, PA

Our Lady of Grace Friary and Faith Community

Brookhaven, PA

Good Counsel Friary and Faith Community

Chester, PA

Mary Theotokos Postinik House of Prayer

Lancaster, PA