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“Nothing New Here”

“Nothing New Here”

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The only real news in the case of the charge of sexual assault against a powerful French politician is that the victim came forward and filed a complaint. The outcome is classic and predictable.

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Guest Blog: Ramadan Reflection

Guest Blog: Ramadan Reflection

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Ramadan is a time for Muslims to improve themselves and strengthen their relationships with God. Muslims are asked to abstain not only from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk, but more importantly, to refrain from any immoral or harmful behaviors.

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Guest Blog: Tragic Violence Awakens the Orthodox Community

Guest Blog: Tragic Violence Awakens the Orthodox Community

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The brutal murder and dismemberment just a few weeks ago of 9-year-old Leiby Kletzky, of blessed memory, a member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish Hasidic sect in Brooklyn, NY, has shaken the Jewish community.

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"A Knight Templar, But No Madman"

"A Knight Templar, But No Madman"

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As Muslims begin the celebration of Ramadan, I can hardly imagine what my Muslim friends and colleagues might be reflecting upon in light of the bombing and massacre in Norway.

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How to Begin to Apologize

How to Begin to Apologize

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Early this year, the Archbishop of Dublin and the Archbishop of Boston, presided over “A Liturgy of Lament and Repentance.” The service was offered for the victims and survivors of sexual abuse by priests.

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Memo to: Clergy colleagues

Memo to: Clergy colleagues

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Re: The Weiner problem. In case there is any confusion about the cautionary tale presented to us by the bad behavior of Congressman Anthony Weiner recently revealed to the entire world, let me be clear.

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“Weary: having one’s patience exhausted . . .”

“Weary: having one’s patience exhausted . . .”

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These past few weeks of news of powerful men’s abuse of women culminating this week in the pathetic case of Anthony Weiner’s internet exploits just leaves me weary.

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"Do Not Make Any Statements . . ."

"Do Not Make Any Statements . . ."

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This is the advice given by many insurance companies to clients who are churches or religious organizations when faced with a disclosure of abuse by one of their leaders. Frankly, it is advice that will very likely lead to lawsuits brought by survivors of abuse and to significant settlements paid out by insurers.

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Who Needs to Confess? And What?

Who Needs to Confess? And What?

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Actress Ashley Judd recently disclosed that she was sexually abused as a child; American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi recently disclosed that she was sexually abused as a child; Senator Scott Brown from Massachusetts recently disclosed that he was sexually abused as a child. When each made a public disclosure, the media described these disclosures as “confessions.”

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Time to Step Up to the Plate

Time to Step Up to the Plate

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This is the letter sent to the Seattle University community following the announcement in the press of a settlement of $166 million with over 500 survivors of sexual abuse by northwest Jesuits.

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 “‘A Day of Reckoning and Justice’ for Abuse Victims”

“‘A Day of Reckoning and Justice’ for Abuse Victims”

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This was the front page headline that greeted me Saturday morning in my local paper, The Seattle Times. The quote is from Clarita Vargas, 51, of Tacoma, WA, who was abused as a child at an Indian Boarding School run by the Jesuits on the Colville Reservation. She is referring to a settlement in which 500 adult survivors will receive $166.1 million from the Northwest Jesuit Order.

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Survival

Survival

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A poem by Marie Fortune

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Dear Cardinal Mahony

Dear Cardinal Mahony

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I realize that you are soon to retire as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I can only assume that you are exhausted from dealing with sexual abuse by priests in your diocese for so many years and from all of the subsequent scandals. I hope that you will have time to reflect on your role in addressing this longstanding problem of betrayal by your priests.

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Preparing for Spring

Preparing for Spring

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I look forward to the beginning of February, not in anticipation of February 2 as Groundhog Day (which I have never understood anyway), but in celebration of February 1 as the Feast Day of St. Brigit—she who breathes life into the dead of winter.

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Apartheid: What a Concept?!

Apartheid: What a Concept?!

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I am only just beginning to understand the historical reality of apartheid that was instituted in South Africa in 1948 and continued until 1994. Since only white people could vote, in 1948 they voted to divide all the people by race and to separate each group from the others. The white minority controlled government and business.

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Remembering Jewish Songwriter and Singer Debbie Friedman

Remembering Jewish Songwriter and Singer Debbie Friedman

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Debbie Friedman, remarkable Jewish songwriter and singer, has died. Debbie wrote “Save A Life,” the theme of FaithTrust Institute’s DVD on domestic violence in the Jewish community.

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The Christmas Pageant

The Christmas Pageant

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My flight leaving Cape Town was cancelled due to bad weather in Europe. So I got to stay for the rehearsal of the Christmas Pageant at St. Mark’s Anglican Church.

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Robben Island

Robben Island

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Three hundred people boarded the ferry in Cape Town for the half-hour ride to Robben Island on Saturday afternoon. The sun was bright and flashing on the waves. The breeze was cool and refreshing. A lovely day. Serene and peaceful. We arrived at the island, now a national heritage site, and boarded a bus for a tour.

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“My Heart Is So Sore . . .” - Part 2

“My Heart Is So Sore . . .” - Part 2

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On a hill in Johannesburg is the Constitutional Court, the home of South Africa's highest court. This site was previously a prison complex that held politcal prisoners during apartheid. One prison held women—both women of color and white women, separately of course. Winnie Mandela, Alberta Sisulu, Barbara Hogan and many others were there. My heart is so sore as we tour the prison.

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“Love-All That and More” Debuts in Cape Town!

“Love-All That and More” Debuts in Cape Town!

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Since my visit to South Africa is supported by the U.S. Department of State Speakers’ Program, the Consulate staff has arranged some of my meetings. They asked me to go to a YMCA afterschool program and meet with the youth workers and the youth. It has been many years since I worked specifically in youth ministry, but I pressed ahead—and I am so glad I did.

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