Catholic FBI agent carries beliefs

The worlds of religion and law enforcement may have parallels but do not always overlap. Nevertheless, Thomas Stewart has found that his Catholic faith guides and informs his work as an FBI agent.

"I think the Christian values we're taught growing up are mirrored in law enforcement," he explained in an interview with The Evangelist. "Respect for life, respect for civil liberties - it's all part of the job and the things we're taught as Catholics."

Mr. Stewart, a member of St. Mary's parish in Ballston Spa, recently spoke there as part of its lecture series, "Our Parishioners Present." In the talks, held periodically, lay people discuss their faith and its role in their life and work.

Armed with faith
During Mr. Stewart's talk and in person, he described the relationship between his job and his beliefs and some of the challenges he confronts.

For instance, what about carrying a firearm and sometimes having to use it?

"We know God is merciful," Mr. Stewart said. "If I had to shoot a 'bad guy' to save a child or something, I would do it in a heartbeat. They give you a gun and there's a reason they give it to you."

Working in law enforcement fulfills a dream for Mr. Stewart. Though he admitted his first choice was to be in the NFL, being an FBI agent was a close second. There he has found a way to put his Catholic beliefs into action.

Mr. Stewart, 37, grew up in Syracuse amid a devout family. "My parents were strictly Catholic and raised us that way," he said during his presentation at St. Mary's School. "I remember we used to pray the Rosary every Sunday."

Seeking truth
The talk focused mainly on Mr. Stewart's life in the FBI and the influence of his religious faith. For instance, the fact-finding that he conducts as part of investigations appeals to his Catholic sensibility.

"I just care about the truth," he said. "I like to think we're the good guys. That's what we're here for. If you can tell me the truth, then it makes things easier."

He said that interviewing suspects, witnesses and others amounts to the most important part of the job. In it, Mr. Stewart said he tries to live by the Golden Rule of "do unto others...."

Mr. Stewart enlivened his presentation by distributing gifts to questioners. Afterwards, he offered everyone tokens such as FBI coffee cups, key chains, magnets, and even a 'wanted' poster featuring Osama Bin Laden.

Mr. Stewart thanked the audience as a whole, saying, "The World Series starts tonight, so I'm surprised anybody's here."

Danger and trust
He acknowledged that some of his actions may have deadly consequences. "We're all going to meet God someday and I don't know if what I'm doing is justifiable," he said. "I think it is, but that's ultimately God's decision."

He told the audience that his professional priority is to preserve the safety of children and families. The father of a six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son, Mr. Stewart often speaks to children about law enforcement and how to protect themselves.

He credits his mother for raising him as a Catholic. "I probably go to Mass out of fear of my mother," he said jokingly when discussing how he sometimes misses Sunday Mass due to work.

Even if he has to miss church, Mr. Stewart always carries his prayers with him. When showing his badge to the audience, he pulled out a holy card of St. Michael, the patron saint of law enforcement.

"I do believe in saints," he said. "I keep this prayer behind my badge and it is blessed by a priest. Before I go out on a mission, I'll pray and ask St. Michael to look over me and my brethren."

(10/30/08)