this difficult time
The "Final Communique" from the April 23-24 meeting between the Vatican and U.S. Cardinals includes threats to "reprimand individuals who spread dissent _" Such threats seek to squelch voices calling for transformation and allow for continued scapegoating and minimizing of culpability. True transformation can only come from those who exercise their prophetic role to the call of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
New policies to restrict homosexuals from entering the priesthood will not address the issues of sexual abuse. Such abuse of minors is not inherent among homosexuals; both homosexual and heterosexual men are capable of committing such crimes. According to Sr. Kathleen Pruitt, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious "Homosexuality is not the issue. Celibacy is not the issue. The issue is whether we will address the need in the church for an integrated holistic theology of human sexuality and start discussing how you foster healthy relationships." Similarly, shared responsibility and power by women in decision making positions can provide a balance to the male patriarchal thoughts and policies expressed by the Church hierarchy.
8th Day Center for Justice May.17.02
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