"As Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, I wish to inform the faithful and the community that the Diocese of Buffalo is not associated with the planning or promotion of the lecture of Senator Hillary Clinton at Canisius College on Monday, January 31, 2005. This event has been arranged under the auspices of Canisius College without previous consultation.

"Although Catholic Charities was listed as a sponsor, this was without the knowledge that Senator Clinton would be one of the presenters of the lecture series. They have since withdrawn their sponsorship, as has the diocesan office of Church Ministry.

"We have communicated our displeasure and have discussed the situation with Canisius College officials.

"We certainly subscribe to the statement on "Catholics in Political Life" issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that 'the Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principals with awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.' Howewver it also states that we are 'committed to maintaining communications with public officals who make decisions everyday that touch issues of human life and dignity.'

"It is for that reason, despite calls for the cancellation of the event, that it was thought best to allow it to proceed, though reluctantly, in order to maintain channels of communciation with Senator Clinton and others who hold her views. In regard to Senator Clinton, I believe she will be well aware of the depth of our beliefs on life issues in this very Catholic region of New York State. We trust that she will respect and be sensitive to those sentiments.

"We hope and pray for the understanding of our community of faith and that the outcome will be a positive one"

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