Michael True, professor emeritus of English at Assumption College, writes in support of Stephen Kobasa:

I am writing out of deep concern for my friend and colleague, Stephen Kobasa and his recent dismissal from Kolbe Cathedral High School.

Having known Stephen for a number of years, through our association in the New England Catholic Peace Fellowship and Pax Christi, I have long admired his commitment to peace, conflict, and nonviolence studies. At considerable personal sacrifice, he has been the embodiment of the American bishops' pastoral, The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response (1983), in which the bishops specifically encouraged Catholic schools, colleges, and universities to devote themselves to peace and nonviolence research.

As you perhaps know, in 1999, 269 members of the General Assembly endorsed the UN Decade for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World, 1005-2010 . The a midterm report on that international initiative has just been published, indicating the extensive support for the effort around the world.

In following his conscience, which John Henry Cardinal Newman, 1801-90, regarded as the primary guide for moral development and assent to faith, Stephen was living the values frequently espoused by saints, scholars, and theologians throughout Christian history. Certainly the persistent teaching of that tradition is that people are more important than property and that allegiance to the citizens of the world, rather than to citizens of one country is central to Christian living.

Ironically, Kolbe, whom the school is named for, is a central figure in that tradition of nonviolence and peacemaking.

I respectfully urge you to reconsider this decision regarding Stephen and to reinstate him.

Thank you for your attention to this letter and for your careful consideration of it.