Letters to the Editor

"After much soul searching, and after years of my abuse as a child by 2 priests (at several different times), I have decided to leave the Catholic Church, once unthinkable but now most reasonable. I had some hope for change as this disgusting reality became more and more extensive, but I will no longer belong to a Christian organization that preaches the love of Jesus Christ on the one hand, and then not only allows but fosters continued sexual abuse of children (by reassignment and denial) on the other.

At first I thought I could accommodate myself to the inconsistencies and lies of the clergy and just keep on with my faith. Then I realized a faith promoted by evil men can not be true faith. Thus, here's my resignation.

I am amazed and disappointed by the numbers of American Catholics who continue to drop their envelopes in the baskets every week after the orgy of sexual abuse by Catholic priests around the world has received so much attention. I decided I will not be a sheep, following the orders of the good fathers as my immigrant parents did. I have total control over my belief system, and my personal salvation. The Roman Catholic Church plays no part in either.

I see little hope in the Roman Catholic Church for its good and honest practitioners who must crave the day when they can pray at mass without having to ignore the criminal and immoral activities of their ordained priests.

I have found community and familiar, comfortable ritual in the Episcopal Church, and, lo and behold, discovered that more that 20% of that church's new members in the last 18 months are former Roman Catholics.

Lastly, if you believe that any single male member of the hierarchy will ever give up the control and the power they have given themselves through the centuries, you are completely ignorant of not only human nature, but also of the degree of greed and denial these power mongers are capable of. The most you can hope for are crumbs. History has proven that.

You can bet that should these child abuse crimes have been as rife in any other religion, Roman Catholics would shake their heads and blame the problem on the belief system and practices of these religions. How come no one is doing that when it comes to RC?

Power. This is what the Church has built over centuries, and which they will not give up, no matter how vocal your group is. The only way to change the organization is to stay away in droves, and let the envelopes be returned to the parishes empty."
Brendan Gunning

"After attending Mass yesterday, and listening to the homily, it occurred to me that one way to reach all church leaders' attention quickly and abruptly is this: On a particular Saturday/Sunday, all Catholics in America who give donations of money should withhold their hard earned gifts. This should be a concerted and timed withholding of funds. Perhaps the "powers" would then come to believe that change is necessary."
Roberta Monson

"Just read Jim Post's article in the National Catholic Reporter. Kudos for a brave President!!

Enjoyed the May Newsletter! Lots of good work going on. I am humbled to be part of this wonderful organization. Svea Fraser's account of her trip to Australia was most interesting and certainly has had an impact.

Two weeks ago I attended the meeting of the VOTF in Sidney at the Saanich Peninsula Parish. The meeting was attended by 24 people. They now have a coordinator, Els Welle. The Saanich Peninsula Parish includes Our Lady of Assumption as well as St. Elizabeth's Church.

There were 24 in attendance. The work at hand is to be involved in the selection process of a new pastor upon the retirement of Father Jack next year. Apparently the bishop has agreed to meet with VOTF to discuss viable candidates for this parish.

There was a good discussion and plenty of information about VOTF. It was decided that the group would obtain copies of the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity as a start to further discussion and meetings. I was asked to close the meeting with a prayer. My eyes fell upon Jim Post's final words to St. Ignatius' Parish and so I read them. They all loved the image of a smile on Jesus' face. Father Jack had just presented the VOTF with a picture of the laughing Jesus, now located with announcements of VOTF activities in the church foyer."
Mary Ann Gervais

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