By Steve Marantz, Globe Staff, 4/25/1985

eligious, political and community leaders and many citizens almost unanimously praised the announcement yesterday that Archbishop Bernard F. Law will be elevated to cardinal. They cited his commitment to racial harmony, interfaith cooperation and social justice.

"None of us are surprised but we're all delighted," said Rev. Dr. James A. Nash, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, which represents 17 Protestant denominations. "We rejoice with the cardinal and the Archdiocese of Boston. We see him as a good and deserving man.

"For most of us in the religious community we perceive him as a person deeply concerned about a variety of forms of justice, including racial and economic justice."

The practical effect of Archbishop Law's elevation is one of "convenience," Nash said.

"It's easier to call him cardinal than archbishop," said Nash. "Many of us were already calling him cardinal."

A broad knowledge of Judaism has won for Archbishop Law the acceptance of area Jews, said Philip Perlmutter, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston.

"From the minute he arrived in this community he has expressed an interest in and knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish ideals," said Perlmutter. "He has given unstintingly of his time in addressing Jewish groups, whether it was on improving Catholic-Jewish relations or appearing at Holocaust memorial services. Many of us are simply delighted."

Jews appreciate Archbishop Law's humanitarian activities, particularly regarding homeless people, Perlmutter said.

"He is there when needed and I'd say he is the kind of man who by personal act and witness fulfills the teachings of the church," said Perlmutter.

Mayor Raymond L. Flynn, in a letter to the archbishop, said, "When I greeted you on your arrival . . . last year, you said that 'After Boston there is only heaven.' Boston may never quite become heaven, but -- with all of us working together -- it has certainly become a safer, happier, and more peaceful city in the short time you have been among us!"

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, in Washington, said the elevation "is a personal recognition of his stewardship in the faith and a significant new tribute to the influential role of the Archdiocese of Boston in the religious life of America."

Archbishop Law's concern with race relations was cited by Jack E. Robinson, president of the Boston chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People.

"In his short time here he has made a lasting impact on the attitudes within the city," said Robinson. "Many officials and leaders in the city seemed to have made racial relations a high spot on their agenda, and that's certainly the goal of the NAACP. My impression is that in the next 3-4 years Boston will become one of the most livable and tolerant cities in the nation with this kind of input. Certainly Archbishop Law has created the perception that he cares, and that people and their relations with others are an important facet of his ministry."

Archbishop Law's exhortation of the business community to address social problems has been welcomed, said Daniel Morley, vice president of State Street Bank.

"There's a broad recognition, at this time of reduced federal support, that there needs to be a closer relationship between the spiritual and business leadership," said Morley. "He has shown a capacity to reach out and exceptional willingness to contribute his time and thought to these issues."

The archbishop's elevation was anticipated by opponents of abortion, because his opposition to abortion mirrors Pope John Paul's belief, said Sharyn Styles, president of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization of Women.

"I suppose this will probably strengthen his position regarding right to choose, which is where we disagree," said Styles. "I expect him to continue advocating his position with vigor, as we will."

In random interviews downtown, people expressed a range of opinions:

Mary Cahill, 22, of Newton, was put off by Archbishop Law's conservatism when he spoke to her Boston College graduating class last year.

"I thought the topics he discussed were inappropriate for a graduation ceremony," said Cahill. "He talked about abortion and all the pro-Catholic biggies. My graduating class was a conservative group as a whole, but he was much more conservative."

Roman Panchyshyn, 31, of Everett, praised the archbishop's elevation, saying, "He's been very good for Boston, with his strong character. I'm very excited about it. His stand against abortion particularly impresses me -- I thoroughly believe he's right. He's very visible around the city -- like at the fire at St. Margaret's in Dorchester."

Talbert Hastings, 22, of Jamaica Plain, said, "He's thought of much like Cardinal Cushing -- uplifting to the religious and social communities. He's interested in people all around, he's against apartheid, and he's trying to bring Boston together racially. This was inevitable."

Christine Greeley, 37, of Sharon said, "He seems like a nice man. It's kind of exciting to have another cardinal here. Boston is such a big diocese it really needed one. I'm an Episcopalian but I believe in ecumenicalism. I think anything that goes on with any religious organization is exciting."

This story ran in the Boston Globe on 4/25/1985.
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