And now Germany …
Voice of the Faithful sent the following statement to German media in response to news that survivors of clergy sex abuse there are stepping forward to demand justice:
It is with great disappointment that we learn of the latest cases of clergy abuse in Germany. Unfortunately we are not surprised by these revelations. For much too long the Catholic Church has not been transparent about the clergy sex abuse that plagued so many areas. We hope the latest revelations in Germany, the home country of Pope Benedict XVI, will open the eyes of the Vatican. This is not an Irish problem; it is not a United States problem; it is not an Australian problem or a Canadian problem or an Austrian problem… It is a Catholic problem and it must be fixed.
Here are some news reports about the latest scandal:
German Bishop apologizes for scandal now rocking German Catholic Church
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5275175,00.html
Is German Church blocking sexual abuse allegations?
http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100223-25437.html
Have you heard about the American Catholic Council?
The American Catholic Council (www.americancatholiccouncil.org) is a movement of the People of God which is bringing together individuals, organizations and communities, including VOTF, to discuss the state and future of our Church.
While this movement has a specific event planned—a national gathering in Detroit on Pentecost weekend (June 10-12), 2011—the goal of the movement is much more than just a convention. The process of inviting Catholics to hold “listening assemblies” on local and regional levels all over the United States to reflect on their experience as Catholics and to share suggestions about the roles and responsibilities of all baptized Catholics is, in large part, the goal. With our Church at another turning point in its history...
Continued
http://votf.org/vineyard/Feb25_2010/acc.html
Reflection for the First Week of Lent
By Gaile Polhaus
Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15:
(cf. 15 b) Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
YOUR CHURCH IS IN TROUBLE
say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress,
my God in whom I trust.”
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
No evil shall befall you,
nor shall affliction come near your tent,
SURVIVORS ARE BEING HIDDEN
For to his angels he has given command about you,
that they guard you in all your ways.
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
Upon their hands they shall bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper;
PRIESTS OF INTEGRITY IGNORED
you shall trample down the lion and the dragon.
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
Because he clings to me, I will deliver him;
I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
STRUCTURAL CHANGE NEEDED
I will be with him in distress;
I will deliver him and glorify him.
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
We have faith that you are with us Lord. Give us the Lenten strength to overcome these troubles.
Help Wanted: National Development Coordinator
Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), a Catholic Church reform organization with more than 35,000 supporters worldwide, seeks a Development Coordinator to oversee the fund raising activities of its Voices in Action Campaign. Voices in Action is a campaign for bringing about meaningful Catholic Church reform on the local, regional, national and international levels. Sources of potential contributions include significant individual supporters, grants, and other charitable organizations as well as VOTF’s large network of individuals and affiliates.
Qualified candidates must have proven interpersonal, written and verbal abilities; at least four years experience in development; a demonstrated track record of achieving revenue targets by prospecting, cultivating and managing donors; a high-energy, positive, “can-do” attitude; a high degree of initiative; strong computer skills and knowledge/skill using database programs; and the ability to multi-task effectively and efficiently. Presence on-site is preferred but not required for this part-time (20 hours per week) consulting position, which has performance potential for growth into a full-time staff position.
To apply, send an introductory letter, resume, and at least two samples of successful campaigns to dbdoucette@votf.org. Also send the introductory letter by mail to D.B. Doucette, P.O. Box 423, Newton MA 02464.
The Promises of Vatican II, Unfulfilled: Part II
Submitted by Edward J. Thompson, Sr.
Even the bishops were promised more involvement in the running of the Church during Vatican II. Lumen Gentium said the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Pope and by the Bishops in communion with the Pope. Finally, for the first time in the history of the Church, it added. “Nevertheless, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside its visible confines.” (L.G.15)
Clearly, the guests of the Council from Protestant denominations and the eastern orthodox Church were encouraged by this statement that suggested the potential for reconciliation.
So, do local Bishops today make decisions about the functioning of their Diocese without necessarily going to Rome for permission? Do Christian leaders feel the same welcome in the Catholic Church as the Council promised?
I think the answer to both is a resounding “no.” Today, all episcopal appointments in the local Church must be approved by Rome. Today, there are no fruitful discussions with our eastern orthodox brothers about ending the thousand-year schism between east and west. The recent outreach to the Anglican Church seems to refute my contention about other Churches freely coming into the Catholic Church. But a closer review shows Pope Benedict’s action tends to divide rather than unite. Anglicans who are in a communion of churches that accept homosexuality as a lifestyle are not invited, but only those who conform to the Catholic Church’s teachings.
Continued
http://votf.org/vineyard/Feb25_2010/vatican2.html
Calendar
James Carroll to speak at VOTF in SWFL
Voice of the Faithful of Southwest Florida will host author James Carroll on March 4, 2010 at 7pm at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church – 1225 Piper Blvd in Naples Florida. Mr. Carroll will speak on “Religious Intolerance.” He is the author of Constantine’s Sword and Practicing Catholic. For more information please call 239-417-3077
Notre Dame Theologian Richard McBrien to Address Area Catholics
Notre Dame theologian, columnist, and author Rev. Richard P. McBrien will address the topic, “A New Easter for the Catholic Laity? What Does ‘We are the Church’ Mean for Lay Catholics?” on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Stonegate Conference & Banquet Center, 2401 Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60169.
The event, hosted by Chicagoland Voice of the Faithful, begins at 9:15 AM. McBrien will speak at 10:00 AM, followed by a Q&A session. After the talk, McBrien will be available for book signing. His latest book is The Church: the Evolution of Catholicism.
Follow the link for more information.
http://votf.org/vineyard/Feb25_2010/mcbrien.html
Boston College’s C21 Center has a variety of programs that focus on Lent. Please check out their website at http://www.bc.edu/church21/lent.html
Site Seeing
Archbishop Rino Fisichella criticized for suggesting that compassion be shown to a 9 year old Brazilian girl who had an abortion after being repeatedly raped by her stepfather. The girl’s mother and the doctors who performed the abortion were excommunicated.
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/move-oust-head-pontifical-academy-life
Marci A. Hamilton writes a compelling article on how the Church and the laity have continued to view the sex abuse crisis as particular to a certain place, when it is not. Also, she points out the Pope’s role in the crisis from the beginning.
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hamilton/20100218.html
Victims of clerical child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Dublin said they are close to despair because the Church is not taking responsibility…
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/
irish-sex-abuse-victims-said-be-close-despair
David Gibson takes on Christianity in sports. Athletes saying it was “God’s plan” that helped them win. Is it really? Perhaps God has bigger things to think about?
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/22/
time-for-a-separation-of-church-and-sports/
Diocese of Delaware withdraws plan to pay benefits to accused priests
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100220/
NEWS01/2200322/Diocese-won-t-pay-benefits-for-accused-priests
Priest laicized for sexual abuse or for schismatic activities?
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/priest-founder-life-teen-youth-ministry-laicized
VOTF member Carolyn Disco comments on Pope’s need to invite victims to Rome
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/
opinion/2010/0217/1224264626502.html
Questions, Comments?
Please send them to Siobhan Carroll, Vineyard Editor at Vineyard@votf.org. Unless otherwise indicated, I will assume comments can be published as Letters to the Editor. |
