Dear Editor: The Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Union City was invited to sing select songs from this year’s Passion Play at the inauguration of NJ Transit’s Light Rail System in Jersey City. On the eve of Holy Week, two messages were left on my voice mail system, by representatives of NJ Transit, canceling our appearance. On tape these representatives of NJ Transit state that our production of the Passion Play is “too religious,” “people might be offended” and “our performance would be a conflict of the separation of church/state.” Although upset, on Saturday, April 15 I went to the NJ Transit celebration alone. To my surprise, two local gospel groups were performing. It became quite evident to me that NJ Transit didn”t cancel a religious performance, but a Catholic performance. By Monday morning, New Jersey radio station 101.5 FM was informing all of its listeners about this current anti-Catholic activity within our state. During the course of Holy Week, newspapers and news stations throughout the state tried to get an explanation from NJ Transit explaining their actions. On Holy Thursday, NJ Transit publicized an apology for their actions. Although I accepted the apology of NJ Transit, we have never been given an explanation why the Passion Play performance was singled out for cancellation. This is the second New Jersey agency to single out the PPAC for its Catholic connection. The New Jersey State Council for the Arts rescinded a $2.75 million grant in the past because of a “Catholic influence at the center.” Why are state agencies “profiling Catholics?” If any other group of citizens were getting singled out and treated differently, our governor would have held a press conference denouncing such actions and calling for an investigation. With assistance from the nationally known Catholic League and a public outcry throughout the state, NJ Transit had no choice but to stop their spin and publicly apologize. For the first time, New Jersey Catholics used their voice as a group. We Catholics must be vigilant and remind our elected officials that we are not doormats, we will not be treated differently and we will not stand for state officials treating us like second class citizens. Rev. Kevin P. Ashe Executive Director Park Performing Arts Center