Church does no harm
The issue of the abuse by priests should not be a scandal with the Catholic Church. It is the priests and all those involved who are responsible. The Church does not do any harm. God is the Head of the Church. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit does not change. It is human beings that cause crises.
Yes, Pope Francis is wrong to keep silent. Theodore McCarrick knows what he has done or not done. Bishops, priests, cardinals are human beings as well and are not immune to sin.
I am sorry that all those boys were victims of heinous crimes committed by people who you felt you could trust. Truth is you can only put your trust in Jesus.
Marie Daquano,
Richmond Hill, Ont.
Proud of statement
When I was a young, pro-life mother with serious health problems, I saw the “Winnipeg Statement” as eminently sensible and merciful. I still do.
It seems written from the viewpoint of true pastors who respect, believe in and trust the sincere good intentions of their flock and their attempts to live good Catholic lives. People respond to leaders who understand the complexities of marriage, and these bishops must have listened carefully to their parishioners, in or out of reconciliation.
Our Church should be proud of the statement, rather than wanting to see it recanted. It was compassionate and orthodox “in accord with the accepted principles of moral theology.” It has probably enabled many couples to stay faithful to their marriages and to their Church, as well as to the needs of their families.
Jean Clayton,
London, Ont.
On second thought
Re: A desperate world needs God more than ever, says Lt.-Gen. Roméo Dallaire (Aug. 19-26):
I completely agree with General Dallaire. I had occasion to meet the General while he was on his way to deliver what proved to be one of the most pro-life speeches I had ever heard by a parliamentarian, at the 45th annual National Prayer Breakfast at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier Hotel in 2010.
I asked him about the March for Life, which was to take place the next day. To my dismay, he confided that he was not with us on the abortion issue.
If I recall, he mentioned the children suffering and dying by the side of the road in Rwanda and feeling that abortion might have been better for them.
The General has come a long way from the trauma of PTSD and his faith has been restored, thank God. In light of today’s social ills — assisted suicide, euthanasia and abortion. I wonder if he has re-thought his position on a crucial life issue?
Paul Lauzon,
Ottawa, Ont.