January 7: A Letter from the President

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is January 7th, and our story is A Letter from the President. On January 7th, 1789, the United States' first presidential election took place. In each of the 13 colonies, presidential electors were chosen. A month later, General George Washington became the nation's first president. Upon hearing the news of Washington's election, a number of prominent Catholics, including Father John Carroll, soon to be Bishop of Baltimore, and his cousin Charles Carroll, recently elected to the U.S.

Senate from Maryland, sent their new president a letter of congratulations. Washington, known for his friendships with Catholics and admiration for their church, promptly replied, writing, I feel that my conduct, in war and in peace, has met with more general approbation than could reasonably have been expected, and I find myself disposed to consider that fortunate circumstance, in a great degree, resulting from the able support and extraordinary candor of my fellow citizens of all denominations.

As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality. And I presume that your fellow citizens will not forget the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment of their revolution, and the establishment of their government, or the important assistance which they received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic faith is professed.

May the members of your society in America, animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and still conducting themselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity. G. Washington Washington's letter is a tribute to both faith and freedom.

It shows that the American experiment in liberty can coexist with deep religious conviction when both are rooted in virtue. Catholics helped shape this nation's moral foundation, and we're still called to live that legacy today. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the religious freedom we enjoy, and for wisdom to use it well.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, January 8th, for another story of faith and courage in America.