The Church has made serious mistakes in the past, it must be admitted. Pope Francis is doing everything possible to rectify that situation and reform the Church. Conservative elements in the Church are hampering his efforts.
John Swales mentions that his family launched a civil action in 1996 against the abusive priest that led to a public apology from the bishop of London in 1999 and an award of $1.4 million in 2004. What more does he want and for how long is he going to tirade against the Church?
The Catholic Register must discern and be more selective in what it publishes for its readers.
Benedict Thomas,
Scarborough, Ont.
Clericalism
With the definition of clericalism printed on your front page (Sept. 9), it clears up both the positive and negative aspects of the word.
On the one hand, God established and maintained a clerical state in His people through the Levitical priesthood. The Word Made Flesh created a new priesthood at the Last Supper, which, by His institution will last until the end of time.
On the other, the negative aspect, which appears to be what Pope Francis usually means, is really evident now that we can compare side by side his treatment of Cardinal Raymond Burke and ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
Brian Taylor,
Etobicoke, Ont.
Encourage students
As a former educator for over 30 years, I can vouch for the valuable work of the faithful in our homes, parishes and schools. Our children may not attend church weekly or be familiar with the Beatitudes but I can assure you many students actively carry their crosses responsibly and hopefully.
I suspect for some, however, their crosses would have been lighter had they been exposed to the Human Development and Sexual Health Curriculum in elementary school. Our children are perfectly capable of understanding it with the added support of parents or clergy if needed. Let us encourage our students to use their God-given ability to think critically. They will not disappoint.
Our students need to know that sexual abuse exists. It is incumbent on us to offer the competencies necessary to impart awareness of potentially abusive situations.
Franca Gallucci,
Etobicoke
Taking sides
Re: Can a doctor-assisted death be ‘natural’ and ‘suicide’? (Aug. 5-12):
This article, detailing the controversial decisions of medical leadership in Ontario, leaned towards the opinions and comments of chief coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer, who was quoted at length refuting the deep concerns of Dr. Gail Churchill, a well-respected, faithful Catholic coroner.
She stated that the new instructions on filling out Ontario death certificates have created a legal fiction at odds with medical reality. Dr. Churchill bravely put herself out there on a controversial issue. Here was an opportunity to champion a Catholic doctor and Catholic teaching. Instead, the author opted for a less-than-complete, traditional “objective” style news piece, offering “both sides” on a matter of Catholic morality. Dr. Churchill deserved so much better.
Donna Procher,
Innisfil, Ont.