NATION IN BRIEF : VIRGINIA : Wilder Is Sorry for Offending Catholics

Gov. L. Douglas Wilder says he did not mean to offend Roman Catholics when he told reporters that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas should disclose his views on abortion at his Senate confirmation hearings because “he has indicated he is a very devout Catholic.” “If they’re offended, I apologize to them,” said Wilder, an abortion-rights Baptist and Democrat who is considering a bid for the presidency. Bishop Walter Sullivan of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond called Wilder’s comments “inappropriate and most unfortunate.” Wilder’s remarks were also criticized by legislators in his home state.