December 2002

Write On

Abuse victim writes CTA

A reference to CTA in an Washington Times article about clergy sexual abuse prompted this letter:
From age 10 to 16 my brother and I lived at the Catholic Boys Home of Mobile, Ala. When I was 11 until age 14 I was periodically sexually molested by the resident priest, Fr. Charles J. Brown. The events almost always took place during my visits to his room for confession. It is not necessary to provide details. I have long since forgiven the priest, and God has long since given me the grace to be free from the consequences. Nevertheless, I am moved to offer my encouragement to you and all those engaged in the healing process. I urge you to oppose any attempt to be lenient with abusers by allowing multiple offenses before discharging them from the offices of stewardship. The clear pastoral injunction of Holy Scripture is to safeguard the flock of God and give every confidence to them that their lives, their children, their trust are safeguarded. Right now, I expect the flock has no such assurance.
Joe Shepard, Williamsburg, Va.

Male images of Trinity

A few years ago you reprinted an article I wrote for Liturgy 90: "Women in the Bible and the Lectionary." Thanks to you, this article is still making its rounds on the Internet. Another article I have written pleads for an alternative to the longstanding masculine image of the Trinity. "New Images of the Trinity for the New Millennium" is printed in New Theology Review, 14:4 (November 2001). I think the message is relevant.
Ruth Fox, OSB, Richardton, N.D.

CTA reprinted the earlier article in June 1996. It has also been included in the FutureChurch/CTA resource packets on Women in Church Leadership.

A new peace song

Even in the midst of the preparations for war, we do need laughter, for health of the soul. Even in the midst of the folly and the humor there is truth. Pray well for peace which only the Lord can provide, and clap your hands!
Paul Ojibway, sa
Ojibway was a CTA conference speaker on Native American spirituality.

King George's Theme Song
Sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It, Clap Your Hands"

If we cannot find Osama, bomb Iraq.
If the markets hurt your Mama, bomb Iraq.
If the terrorists are Saudi
And the bank takes back your Audi
And the TV shows are bawdy, bomb Iraq.

If the corp'rate scandal's growin', bomb Iraq.
And your ties to them are showin', bomb Iraq.
If the smoking gun ain't smokin'
We don't care, and we're not jokin'.
'Cause Saddam will soon be croakin.' Bomb Iraq.

Even if we have no allies, bomb Iraq.
From the sand dunes to the valleys, bomb Iraq.
So to hell with the inspections;
Close your mind and take directions,
This is how we win elections. Bomb Iraq.

So here's one for dear old daddy, bomb Iraq.
From his favorite little laddie, bomb Iraq.
Saying no would look like treason.
It's the Hussein hunting season.
Even if we have no reason, bomb Iraq.