This is from the Franciscans and I love the way it finds blessings in four such unlikely sources. I think really captures what my faith is all about.
The guy on the video is Gene Robinson, the first openly-gay bishop in the Anglican church and someone whose faith, wisdom, and courage I admire a great deal.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Unspeakable
Pope Benedict was in the news this weekend. While on a visit to Great Britain, the Pope expressed his grief and shame about the continuing scandal of pedophile priests. I'm glad to hear the apology and hope that it is part of a sincere reassessment of the Catholic Church in dealing with this crisis. I have never been a fan of this particular pontiff, but I'd like to believe that these words contain sincere repentance and a commitment to bring about change.
One thing that the Pope said really struck me. He referred to the actions of the abusers as "unspeakable crimes."
That's a very apt phrase and it sums up what, in my mind, is a great deal of the problem. When a child is abused we don't talk about it. There's so much shame involved that everyone, the child, the family, the community all get quiet and act as if it never happened.
That's what most of the protests have been about. The abuse is terrible, but the attitude that the incident then needs to be hushed up, makes things even worse. Without honesty there is no accountability. Without victims able to tell their stories there is no justice.
That's why I am happy to see Benedict's words. Even if, as some critics say, this is more a political gesture, at lease the unspeakable is finally being spoken, and that's something that needs to happen. No matter how ugly reality is, we can never hope to change a situation until we face it.
One thing that the Pope said really struck me. He referred to the actions of the abusers as "unspeakable crimes."
That's a very apt phrase and it sums up what, in my mind, is a great deal of the problem. When a child is abused we don't talk about it. There's so much shame involved that everyone, the child, the family, the community all get quiet and act as if it never happened.
That's what most of the protests have been about. The abuse is terrible, but the attitude that the incident then needs to be hushed up, makes things even worse. Without honesty there is no accountability. Without victims able to tell their stories there is no justice.
That's why I am happy to see Benedict's words. Even if, as some critics say, this is more a political gesture, at lease the unspeakable is finally being spoken, and that's something that needs to happen. No matter how ugly reality is, we can never hope to change a situation until we face it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Pakistan Floods
I was listening to an NPR report on this the other day and both the scope of the disaster and the lack of international response are staggering. The flooding still covers an area the size of Italy and roughly the same number of people as the entire population of Canada are affected.
As the video says, there has been international support, but not at the levels seen in the Haitii earthquake or the tsunami. Some people interviewed have expressed a concern that the money will go to the Taliban but that is NOT the case.
My church, the offers United Church of Christ offers assistance in partnership through Church World Service which has an outstanding record of getting aid to the people who need it.
As the video says, there has been international support, but not at the levels seen in the Haitii earthquake or the tsunami. Some people interviewed have expressed a concern that the money will go to the Taliban but that is NOT the case.
My church, the offers United Church of Christ offers assistance in partnership through Church World Service which has an outstanding record of getting aid to the people who need it.
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