My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone graduating from various academic institutions this month.  Despite the economic challenges we all face, I continue to believe that education is vital, so I pray that the pursuit of degrees will be a goal that many pursue. I thought I would share two photos from 2001, the year I received my Master of Divinity (M.Div) from St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry.  It was my second degree from St. Bernard's; I received an M.A. in Theology in 1998.  In addition to receiving my M.Div in 2001, I was also greatly honored to receive a special academic achievement award. As I looked back at 2001, the trustees of St. Bernard's probably could not have imagined that I would have used my education to challenge some of the long-time policies of the Roman Catholic Church.  However, I do hope, in restrospect, that they can at least appreciate the fact that any arguments I present to the chur...

Dear Blog Visitors: I continue to monitor the tense situation that exists between U.S. nuns and Vatican officials.  I must admit that I am mystified as to why the Roman Catholic hierarchy chose to target women of faith who have dedicated their lives to the well-being of others. In comparison to bishops and priests, nuns have been guilty of very few crimes against humanity.  Therefore, especially in light of the continuing sexual abuse scandal, it is an outrage that the Vatican has chosen to target nuns for harsh treatment that goes beyond reason. Our good sisters have served the Catholic Church well for many centuries.  They continue to serve in such varied disciplines as education, social justice, medicine, parish leadership and assorted ministries that are too numerous to mention. In the photo above, I am demonstrating my solidarity with U.S. nuns.  There will be prayer vigils scheduled throughout the United States during the month of May.  The vigils ...

Dear Blog Visitors: For the past several years, I have articulated my assorted views on church reform at this blog.  Despite the fact that some of my views have been in sharp contrast to those of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, I appreciate the fact that Rochester's Bishop Matthew Clark has never tried to discipline me.  I have always considered him to be fair-minded, whereby he has consistently tried to strike a balance between conservative and liberal voices within the Rochester Diocese. Bishop Clark will turn 75-years-old on July 15 of this year.  This means that he will be required to submit a letter of resignation to the Vatican on or around his birthday.  Considering that he has led the Rochester Diocese for 33 years, the thought of a new bishop will be unsettling to many. If the Rochester Diocese follows proper protocol, local priests will be allowed to submit the names of  three qualified persons they feel could be Matthew Clark's successor.  ...