Moral Authority
Re “The McCarrick Case and the Future of Reform” (Our Take, 8/6): I agree that the church has lost ground. Regaining it, however, will probably involve finding a way for the laity (and women) to find the voice of moral authority. It is hard to imagine that the clergy or hierarchy will reform itself without significant pressure and accountability from the body of baptized believers. Good leaders will be able to articulate the sense of the faithful.
Amy Fielder
Transparency and Humility
This is the transparency and humility that is needed in addressing the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and abuse in our church and in society. Processes must now be put in place and adhered to so that people can see that the church is willing to lead in this area, instead of being dragged by the weight of public scrutiny to the standard of Jesus. If we are to be credible witnesses to Christ, our actions must speak. No more cover-ups. No more abuse of power. No more.
Fiona Dyball
Investigate and Punish
This editorial is honest, fair and practical. Yet I wonder why the editors limited their recommendations for taking steps to investigate and punish abuse to only sexual abuse. Bishops can abuse their office in many ways, including with extravagant lifestyles, misuse of church funds or abusive personnel policies. If the church authorities and fellow bishops are afraid to take steps against a bishop for sexual abuse, they will be all the more uninterested in counseling a bishop about poor leadership in areas not so charged with media attention and public outrage.
Greg Krohm
Where God Will Guide Me
Re “Becoming Invisible,” by Paul F. Morrissey (8/6): I found this article very moving and helpful. I am retiring after teaching high school theology for 24 years. I do not want to become “invisible,” but I am open to where God will guide me to see grace and goodness in others who feel alone. Thanks again for a great article.
Dave Koss
Of Course!
Re “Catholics Must Continue to Embrace the Mission of #BlackLivesMatter,” by Olga Segura (8/6): I am so glad to see this. Of course Catholics should be supporting Black Lives Matter! It is the most basic of rights to be able to live without worrying about being killed because of who you are. These can be dark days, and then I see these amazing people creating movements and light and speaking truth to us all out of the darkness. Do not give up!
Robin Vestal
A Suggestion
Re “For Deaf Catholics, a Gesture From Pope Francis Meant the World,” by Michael J. O’Loughlin (8/6): Thank you for this article. As a Catholic who is a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I am well versed in deaf culture and the need for more inclusion in all spheres of communal life, including our church. One thing that this magazine could do without any expertise (other than keyboarding) is to provide transcripts of posted videos.
Stephanie Hampton
The Right Path
We were thrilled and inspired by the beautiful article “What Maria Montessori Knew,” by Pascal Emmanuel Gobry (8/6). In 1996 Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens selected the Montessori Method as the best educational model for the more than 1,800 children enrolled annually in our 14 early childhood programs.
We are extremely proud of our 22-year Montessori history and the 370 teachers who are spreading the Montessori curriculum throughout the region.
We have witnessed first-hand how life-changing the Montessori course is for these children. We serve a primarily disadvantaged clientele, and many of our students enter our program with little or no English-speaking ability. By enabling each child to learn and grow at their own pace, we firmly believe we are setting them on the right path for a lifelong love of learning and education.
(Rev. Msgr.) Alfred LoPinto
President and C.E.O.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
