Children and Nike

Our nine-year-old attended the children's program and came away with a sincere understanding of why not buying Nike products is right and proper. Mary Fox and Christine Santini are to be commended for their work. Thank you also for including the children in the liturgies. I cannot tell you how moved I was to see Mary (Ramerman) and Fr. Jim (Callan) both at the caucus and at the Sunday liturgy. How shallow rules are when they diminish or remove the ministries of two people who really do shine with the love of God.

Lynn Hogan, Houston, Tex.


People of color

Thank you for all your planning. My major concern is that the audience was largely Caucasian. I have come to recognize the gift and the challenge which people of color present to us Euro-Americans because of the worldview which they have honored for centuries and by some miracle continue to uphold despite all efforts at imperialism. We need their gifts. We need to honor their place in the Church by specifically inviting them to CTA. We need to include Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans. As a personal commitment, I would be willing to bring ten people of color to the CTA meeting next year, to visit and discuss with their leaders within the inner city in order to welcome Catholics of varied cultures. The challenge to you, the staff, is to make sure that they feel welcome and can identify their culture throughout the program.

Suzanne Moynihan, SSND, Milwaukee, Wis.


Affirm the rejected theologians

Thank you for the oxygen, the water, the food and the flame of CTA. I was dying and you have renewed my life. Gracias a la vida. How right it was to recognize, comfort and affirm the people and ministers of Corpus Christi. Could we do the same next year for the forgotten, isolated or rejected thinkers, theologians and academics in the Community of God?

Francella Betancourt, Cooperstown, N.Y.


The tone was positive

Thank you for the conference. Since I am a liberal in what is generally a conservative area, it is a welcome relief to be with people who are on the cutting edge. The Sunday liturgy was especially uplifting and egalitarian. It's the first time I have really felt like I was a participant in the "Body of Christ" for quite a while. The tone of most of your speakers was substantive and positive. I get frustrated with strident rhetoric that doesn't get past the negative criticism. This conference was filled with much more hope and love, a welcome change.

Krista Reitz, Pittsburgh, Pa.


More visibility for gays/lesbians

This was my first time attending the conference and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being with such an energetic committed group of fellow Catholics. As a gay man I was disappointed that there was only one presentation on the issue and there was not a more visible presence/celebration of the gay and lesbian community at the Sunday liturgy. While I believe in the importance of seeking equality for men and women in the church, should we not be addressing all of the injustices in the Church with equal fervor?

Richard Conheady, Rochester, N.Y.