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Bob Casey’s convincing victory over Rick Santorum for the Senate in Pennsylvania, discussed in “God gap narrows as Democrats take majority of Catholic vote” (NCR, Nov. 17) suggests that Catholic voters, no less than others, chose a centrist candidate’s moderate, pragmatic positions and rejected extreme stands on the war, immigration, Social Security, tax breaks, death penalty, family planning and lobbying reform. Catholics did not vote as a bloc, yet a significant majority pulled the Democratic Party to the mainstream middle. A new modus operandi will be possible: seeking bipartisan consensus on many issues, listening to those not in total agreement, looking for common ground and accepting possible outcomes when holding out for ideal ones is futile.
On a few issues, having failed to win over the majority of their fellow citizens, Catholics will have to accept their defeat in the democratic process and refocus their efforts to persuade their own and others by education and, as in the case of abortion, by supporting such remedial measures as an increase in the minimum wage and better child care and family health provisions that would make abortion less likely. Looking ahead, Catholic voices for moderation will, I think, join other centrists in favoring candidates who see in the common good a vision that can unite the country.
FRANK McGINTY
Jenkintown, Pa.
In response to “Compensating for the sins of the fathers” (NCR, Nov. 10), it is sad that the laity will bear the ultimate brunt of the clergy abuse situation by losing their parish assets. Bishop William Skylstad and the majority of his priests will receive their just deserts. The bishop, probably on orders from the Vatican, moved abusive priests from parish to parish as did most dioceses in the world. I hold most priests responsible because I’m convinced that most of them knew what was happening and ignored the problem to protect their privileged lives in the church.
It is true that to outsiders the Boston archdiocese looks safe now because of its wealth. However, there is another batch of cases currently being processed. One of the lead plaintiff’s attorneys has said the problem will continue for decades as more abused people continue coming forward with their accusations. In my opinion, it is just a matter of time before the Boston archdiocese will find itself in the same financial position as the Spokane diocese. Ultimately, the archdiocese will probably lose everything, including all parish properties. The Catholic church will become a storefront church, which is probably where it belongs in order to better preach the Christian message.
EMIL F. GIES
Brookline, Mass.
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In the Editor’s Note you addressed the need for significant change (NCR, Nov. 10), asking, “How do we get beyond this?” Many Catholic faithful are asking similar questions. Why has the institutional church become the antithesis of what Jesus represents and teaches? What can we do about it? The answer is that of the father of an abuse victim who says, “The only way to change it is by force.” Is this grieving father suggesting armed intervention? No, he is recommending more effective and civilized methods to force changes and improvements.
In order to implement the corrections needed, consider doing the following: One, remain catholic/universal in thought and spirituality. Love one another. Two, have the courage to remove the last vestige of a malignant, evil and despotic empire and political system that insults Jesus’ standards. Rome must go, and the sooner the better. Three, we can support our Catholic churches, schools, hospitals and nursing homes, but cut off all financial support for the Roman system. Let the laity evolve and become more involved. Let the hierarchy evolve, improve and participate more with the living church. Force the hierarchy to either retire or become priests once again. Dump Rome and let it become just one more bad memory.
GEORGE D. O’CLOCK
Mankato, Minn.
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As a former altar boy who at the age of 12 was molested by my pastor for more than a year, I share your belief that no end will ever come of this issue until the church demonstrates genuine accountability for these tragic and criminal acts of abuse and cover-up. I regularly hear church officials and Catholic parishioners declare this crisis all but over and insist that we move on, but as you explain, there has never been the complete and voluntary disclosure of truth that such crimes demand, adequate justice for most victims, nor severe consequences for those responsible. This is a tragic and obscene legacy, made worse by church officials who pay more attention to their attorneys’ advice than to Jesus’ proclamation that whatever we do to the least of our brethren, we do unto him.
Memories of my Catholic childhood now conjure a sad irony. When I was confirmed, I chose St. Martin of Tours for my patron saint because he made the selfless gesture of offering his cloak to a shivering beggar, who that night appeared as Christ in Martin’s dreams. Now I look at the church whose teachings inspired such idealism in me and I see it clutching its own protective “cloak” of secrecy and legal maneuvers, leaving me and thousands of other clergy abuse survivors exposed to a bitter wind. Several years ago I left the church for good, not because of my abuse but because of the official response of evasion and self-protection. I’m not hopeful the bishops will embrace your wisdom, tell the truth and take their lumps, atone for the lives stolen from us, and accept the humility required to resurrect the church that has withered from these sins. There are worse fates, and any bishop who listened to abuse survivors tell their stories would know that.
BILL LaHAY
Des Moines, Iowa
My son works professionally with a number of recently homeless people. He commented that they often have a problem with possessions, but that they all need a warm coat this time of year. With that thought in mind, our parish, St. Francis Xavier, just finished a “warm coat drive,” asking parishioners to search their closets for unused winter clothing. We got 10 coat racks full, both sexes, all sizes, all ages. We brought them to less fortunate parishes, to the Catholic Center of Concern, to other charities. The gratitude we saw defies words. We could have been Santa Claus on Christmas Day. So the only thing left to do is pass the idea long.
WALLY RETAN
Birmingham, Ala.
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National Catholic Reporter, December 8, 2006