Blogs by Marie Fortune (retired)
Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune is the founder of FaithTrust Institute. She retired in 2016.
Tiger Confesses, Apologizes; We’ll Wait for Repentance
Feb 19, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsWhy did I watch Tiger Woods statement to the press today? I guess because I continue to be intrigued by how high profile public figures address their misconduct publicly.
O God, Deliver Us from the Pat Robertsons of This World
Feb 01, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsMuch has already been said about the sheer stupidity of Pat Robertson’s “pastoral” response to the tragedy of the Haiti earthquake and I will not bother to repeat.
Reflecting on Dr. King 2010
Jan 18, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsI grew up a white Christian girl in the segregated South. I remember the beginning of integration of our schools in junior high and of my local United Methodist Church.
It Looks Like a Duck, Walks Like a Duck...
Jan 12, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceIt seems that we have a really difficult time in our culture calling rape “rape.” Plus we are inclined to give celebrities a free pass when it comes to sexual assault.
"Don’t Let the Light Go Out . . ."
Dec 23, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceJews have just completed celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And we all celebrate the passing of the winter solstice which assures us that, in the northern hemisphere, the days will surely get longer now.
Life Is Precious
Dec 10, 2009 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceLast week Carolyn Scott Brown, the Director of Educational Resources at FaithTrust Institute, and I went to see the new movie, Precious.
“The Bible Says . . .”
Nov 20, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence“The Bible says I can have sex with my 8-year-old child . . .” “The Bible says I can beat my wife because she is to be subject to me . . .” These and other biblical justifications haunt my consciousness.
The Work Is Global
Nov 09, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Abuse by ClergyI don’t know how to work on anything but violence against women and children. I have no other skills. So it’s a good thing that I have a job where I get paid to do the one thing I know how to do.
Not Done Yet -- The US Violence Against Women Act Since 1994
Oct 05, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual ViolenceThis month is the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the U.S.
Health Care Reform and Violence Against Women?
Sep 15, 2009 — Categories: Current EventsHealth care reform is an urgent issue in the U.S. today. As the political “process” attempts to resolve legitimate issues in the debate, the crazies and the insurance companies are trying desperately to derail any efforts to fix a dysfunctional system. Okay. But what does this have to do with violence against women? Lots.
“Let the children come to me and forbid them not . . . and let the healing begin.”
Aug 19, 2009 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThrough the eyes of three families, the documentary All God’s Children (70 minutes) www.alllgodschildrenthefilm.com tells the personal story of the first boarding school for children of missionaries to be investigated for abuse at the hands of the parents’ Protestant missionary colleagues.
The Elders Name Religious Tradition and Practice as Sources of Harm to Women and Girls
Aug 04, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence“. . . we believe that the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a higher authority, is unacceptable.”
Jimmy Carter Challenges His Church
Jul 24, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence“The turning point in every social justice movement occurs when the authentic leadership of survivors is met with the genuine commitments of our most power social institutions.” So said my colleague, Judith Beals, in 2002 in the midst of the disclosure of extensive sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.
"Bad News for 'Bad Men' . . ."
Jun 25, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceGood news for women. Lavetta Elk, 26, is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe from Wounded Knee, SD. Sgt. Joseph Kopf, an Army recruiter, raped Elk after she inquired about joining the Army. In April, Elk was awarded $600K in damages for the “pain and suffering” she endured. The basis of this verdict was the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868.
"What About Torture?"
May 31, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by Clergy“Punching, flogging, assault and bodily attacks, hitting with the hand, kicking, ear pulling, hair pulling, head shaving, beating on the soles of the feet, burning, scalding, stabbing, severe beatings with or without clothes, being made to kneel and stand in fixed positions for lengthy periods, made to sleep outside overnight . . .”
“Where Are We?”
May 15, 2009 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceAs I was presenting a workshop recently on how we should challenge the roadblocks which the church can present to battered women and affirm the resources, I noticed one participant was very quiet and reserved.
“I Have Such Doubts!”
May 05, 2009 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThe movie “Doubt” depicts the enormous complexity of the possibility of sexual abuse of a child by a Catholic priest. Fr. Flynn is portrayed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman as a likable, middle aged priest deeply engaged in the life of the parish and school. He is open and progressive and wants to lead the parish forward.
"Pray for the Dead . . ."
Apr 12, 2009 — Categories: Current EventsTwenty years ago, 14 people were shot and killed in a classroom at a University in Montreal, Quebec, where they were studying engineering. Last week 14 people were shot and killed in an immigrant social service center in Binghamton, New York, where they were studying English.
“. . . Better That a Millstone . . .”
Mar 23, 2009 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThere are times when the contradictions of life overtake me. I was flying home from the east coast last week and one of those times intruded. On the plane, I sat next to a mother and father and their two-year-old daughter; in front of them sat their five-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter. I was struck immediately by how thoughtful and respectful the parents were with the children and the siblings were with each other.
"It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over"
Feb 20, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyIn baseball, there is an old saying about the game: "It ain't over 'til it's over." It's the reminder that you can't leave after the seventh inning and assume you know the outcome. As we have seen cases of sexual abuse by clergy emerge in recent years, it might be easy to assume that we have seen the worst of it. Yet the news continues to inform us of cases still waiting to be heard and justice still waiting to be experienced. It's definitely not over yet.
The Guy Who Took Down the Signs
Jan 23, 2009 — Categories: Current EventsLike millions of other Americans on January 20, I was flooded with memories and emotions as I watched Barack Obama be sworn in as our President.
Rick Warren’s Teaching
Jan 13, 2009 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual ViolenceSince Rick Warren was invited to give the Invocation at the Presidential Inauguration next week, he has been attracting some attention and scrutiny. Warren is the Senior Pastor at Saddleback Church in California.
Santa Targets His Own Family
Dec 26, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceAn ex-husband took advantage of the annual family gathering at his in-laws’ house to inflict his violence on his ex-wife and her family. He appeared at the door dressed as Santa, and one of the children let him in. He opened fire on the 25 people there and then set fire to the house.
Is the Gospel of “More Sex” Really Good News for All?
Dec 10, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual ViolenceSo Pastor Ed Young of the Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, got the attention of the media. And his church members. He called for a week of “congregational copulation” to take people’s minds off the economy. Pastor Young has added his blessing to our already highly sexualized culture.
"Déjà vu All Over Again"
Dec 02, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceAnother murder in a church; another domestic terror homicide. On Nov. 23, Joseph Pallipurath entered the St. Thomas Syarian Orthodox Kananaya Church in Clifton, NJ and killed his wife.
Muslim/Arab/Terrorist?
Oct 31, 2008 — Categories: Current EventsI promised myself I wouldn’t discuss the election in my blog. This is not the place for partisan anything. But in this last week before the election, I do have to comment on the overt racism that continues to persist even unto the very end.
The Fight to End Terrorism
Oct 10, 2008 — Categories: Domestic Violence“Compare the raw numbers. In the same seven-year period [2000-2006] when 4,588 U.S. soldiers [in combat] and police officers [on duty] were killed by hostiles or by accident, more than 8,000 women – nearly twice as many – were shot, stabbed, strangled, or beaten to death by the intimate males in their lives."
Corporeal Punishment, Child Abuse, and Christian Teaching
Oct 01, 2008 — Categories: Child AbuseDr. Ted Tripp, the senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Church, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, came to Seattle recently preaching the importance of corporeal punishment beginning with infants. According to Tripp, he is commanded by God to preach to parents to spank their young children on bare skin and then tell them you love them in order to teach them respect for authority.
“Another Hate Crime . . . with a Backstory”
Sep 15, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceOn a Sunday in late July, Jim David Adkisson entered the Tennesse Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville and opened fire. He said he hated gays and liberals and “all liberals should be killed.” He murdered two people and seriously injured 6 others before being subdued by other church members.
“Rape and Miniskirts: Déjà vu All Over Again”
Sep 05, 2008 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceLet’s begin with the bottom line: lack of modesty in dress doesn’t cause rape. But this doesn’t stop Father Sergio Roman from condemning miniskirts.
Southern Baptists: Yes, but . . .
Aug 22, 2008 — Categories: Sexual Abuse by Clergy“One sexual predator in our midst is one too many,” said Morris Chapman, president of the Southern Baptist Convention executive committee. “Sexual predators must be stopped. They must be on notice that Southern Baptists are not a harvest field for their devious deeds.” Good so far.
Sex Offenders in Church in Georgia Part 2
Aug 08, 2008 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceIn my last blog, I took the position that the Georgia law that criminalizes all volunteer activities in a faith community by registered sex offenders is problematic because it allows the state to determine how we do ministry. Several of you disagreed.
Sex Offenders in Church in Georgia
Jul 25, 2008 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceThe state of Georgia is trying to protect its children from sex offenders. To that end it passed legislation in 2006 (updated in 2008) that is viewed as the toughest in the U.S. There is only one problem: the law criminalizes all volunteer activities by registered sex offenders in religious organizations.
Confusion Reigns for Southern Baptist Professor
Jul 03, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceBruce Ware, professor of Christian theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., actually does know why husbands abuse their wives.
What About the Good Samaritan? Part 2
Jun 19, 2008 — Categories: Sexual Abuse by ClergyFour teenage girls were molested by their youth pastor. When one teen finally disclosed, the senior pastor fired the youth pastor and reported him to the police. He was charged and prosecuted for sex with a minor. So far, so good.
And What About the Good Samaritan?
May 19, 2008 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceA woman recently shared with me her experience of being assaulted and stabbed by her abusive husband. As she recovered from her injuries, she turned to her church, expecting pastoral care and support.
The Pope Has Come and Gone
Apr 29, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI think it is safe to say that everyone was surprised that Pope Benedict XVI talked about the pedophile priest crisis everyday he was in the US on his recent trip. In fact, he began the conversation with reporters on his plane enroute.
The Pope Is Ashamed
Apr 16, 2008 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyPope Benedict XVI has arrived in the U.S. for his first visit as Pope. And there is some good news here. Ironically, “good news” and the Church don’t often appear in the same sentence these days. So I am always on the lookout for this occurrence.
“Whatever Became of Sin? Indeed.”
Apr 01, 2008 — Categories: Current EventsWhatever Became of Sin? This was the provocative title of a book by psychiatrist Karl Menninger in 1974 written out of his concern that in the beginning of the culture wars, we were losing our sense of moral focus and jettisoning the notion of “sin.”
Muslim Rape Victim Punished
Mar 17, 2008 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceInternational media recently carried the newstory about a Saudi Arabian woman who was gang raped and then sentenced to six months in prison and 200 lashes after she spoke out to protest the lenient sentences given her attackers.
The Hate Crime You May Have Missed
Feb 26, 2008 — Categories: Current EventsAmong the numerous school shootings in the past several weeks, one stands out for me: the killing of Lawrence King, 15, allegedly by Brandon McInerney, 14, in Oxnard, California. However, it got the least media coverage.
No Harm, No Foul? Part 2
Feb 02, 2008 — Categories: Sexual Abuse by ClergySo let’s assume for a minute that institutions like the church, when confronted with the disclosure of unethical behavior like sexual harassment or abuse, tend to act in their own best interests. On the surface, this is what I call the “institutional protection agenda.”
No Harm, No Foul? Part 1
Jan 23, 2008 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyWhy is professional misconduct wrong? Because someone gets hurt. When any of us in a ministerial or teaching role betrays trust, exploits or abuses, we cause harm to another person.
Bhutto’s Assassination: Violence Against a Woman Leader
Jan 02, 2008 — Categories: Current EventsPakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on Dec. 27, 2007, while campaigning to once again become Prime Minister. She had returned from exile in the fall to lead the efforts of the Pakistani Peoples Party and had been under threat of death ever since.
Politics, Religion and Rape
Dec 19, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic Violence, Sexual ViolenceAs presidential politics play out, Republican candidate Mike Huckabee has been challenged to answer questions about his involvement in the release of convicted rapist Wayne DuMond after DuMond’s religious “conversion.”
Evangelicals Rethink Divorce?
Dec 03, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceA recent article in TIME Magazine highlighted an article in Christianity Today describing a shift among some evangelicals to more openness about divorce. This would be welcome news to many evangelical Christian battered women who often feel that they are forced to choose between their church and their safety when it comes to divorce.
Oprah and the Jesuits
Nov 19, 2007 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThe Jesuits have settled a lawsuit brought by Alaska Native survivors for $50 million, the largest single settlement against a religious order. At least 110 children and youth were sexually abused from 1961 until 1987 in remote villages in Alaska by Roman Catholic priests.
Memorial Gathering for Feminist Theologian Letty M. Russell at Yale Divinity School
Nov 08, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsWe at FaithTrust Institute lost a friend and colleague, mentor and leader this past summer. “Letty Mandeville Russell, one of the world's foremost feminist theologians and longtime member of the Yale Divinity School faculty, died Thursday, July 12 at her home in Guilford, CT. She was 77.” She was honored at a memorial service at Yale Divinity School on Oct. 23 when her portrait was hung in the Common Room.
How Does a Congregation Respond to a Battered Woman?
Oct 21, 2007 — Categories: Domestic Violence“. . . then the congregation’s leaders should help her reach an accommodation with her ex.” No, the congregation’s leaders should help provide for her safety.
"Pray for the Dead; Fight Like Hell for the Living."
Oct 03, 2007 — Categories: Domestic Violence“Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.” These words from Mother Jones come to mind as we celebrate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States.
A Celebration and an Update
Aug 20, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual ViolenceThis month, there was a celebration in Malicounda Bambara, Senegal, of the 10th anniversary of the village’s public declaration to abandon female genital cutting (FGC).
A Measure of Justice for Survivors in Australia
Aug 03, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyIn Queensland, Australia, the government has formally made restitution to individuals and families who suffered abuse as children in government- and church-sponsored institutions. It only took ten years.
Where Are These Men? Part 2
Jul 19, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceThe Fathers’ Day Poll released by the Family Violence Prevention Fund that I discussed in last week’s blog suggests that the majority of men are aware and concerned about sexual and domestic violence.
What About the Men?
Jul 05, 2007 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceFinally, maybe some good news: there are men who care about sexual and domestic violence.
Forgiveness = “It’s Okay; Go Ahead and Rob Me”
Jun 19, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyA group of teenagers, when apprehended for home burglaries, were asked why they selected these particular homes. They replied, “Because we knew that Christians lived there and that they would forgive us and not prosecute.” What is wrong with this picture?
“We Have to Talk about the War. Everyday.”
Jun 08, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsThe news from Iraq is everyday the same. Suicide bombers, “insurgents,” “terrorists,” Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, casualties and millions of dollars. The “normalcy” of it all deadens our sensibilities. A tragic, failed policy playing itself out with only more tragedy and bloodshed ahead and no end in sight. Yet last week’s story in our local paper stopped me for a moment.
“Don’t Forgive Us So Quickly!” Part 2
May 31, 2007 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceTwenty-seven incest offenders gave me this advice when I met with them during a session of their court-mandated treatment program. They were mostly Christians and they kept wanting to talk about their faith, so their therapist called me in.
No Sex Offenders in Church? Part I
May 18, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence“I’m a convicted sex offender and I would like to attend this church." At FaithTrust Institute, we are receiving weekly inquiries about this situation from anxious clergy and congregations. Some congregations are turning away offenders. This initial reaction may be understandable, but let’s be clear: The identified, self-acknowledged sex offender is the least of a congregation’s worries.
Some Christian Leaders Oppose Condemning Hate Crimes
May 05, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsThis is one of those headlines I never thought I’d see. The Hate Crimes Bill just approved by the House of Representatives adds gender, sexual orientation, and disability to race, religion, and
Don Imus' Privilege: Violence Against Women of Color
Apr 09, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsViolence against women takes many forms. Radio personality Don Imus made his contribution last week when he referred to the mostly African American Rutgers University basketball team as “nappy headed hos.”
Custom of Female Genital Cutting Is No More
Apr 05, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child AbuseThe 2,000-year-old, nearly universal practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in Guinea, West Africa, has been abandoned by the village of Lalya and 149 other connected villages. No longer will young girls have their clitorises removed nor will they be forced into early marriage.
Do Any Sacred Texts Excuse Wifebeating?
Mar 27, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceIn only the most recent report of Western “cultural sensitivity,” a judge in Germany cited the Quran as she turned down a battered Muslim woman’s request for a speedy divorce from her abuser.
Do We Know Domestic Violence When We See It?
Mar 15, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceSadly, last week was a busy week for nationally publicized domestic violence fatalities. Sensational headlines informed us about a plane intentionally crashed into a house and another school shooting. But did we really understand that these deaths were domestic violence?
Pope’s Preacher Urges Repentance for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Mar 06, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThe Pope has his own preacher, Reverend Raniero Cantalamessa, who, in a recent sermon, underscored the “abomination” of the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests and urged a day of fasting and penance for the Church. The Pope was listening but the Vatican had no comment after the service.
Another Party Heard from . . . Rev. Marie M. Fortune Has Things to Say
Feb 22, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceAfter 30 years, how about a blog? When I began my work in 1977, I didn't even have access to a copier. I wrote my first book on a typewriter. Remember those?
Women’s Work Is Never Done
Mar 08, 2010 — Categories: Child Abuse, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceMarch 8 is International Women’s Day. So I was pleased this past week to be in New York City for events surrounding the 54th Annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Not only is women’s work never done, our agenda continues to expand.
The Invisibility of Domestic Violence in Faith Communities
Mar 23, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceLast week, Charles Parsons murdered his wife during a couples’ counseling session at Calvary Lutheran Church south of Seattle. He turned himself in and has been charged with first-degree murder and assault.
Dear Pope: Call Me
Mar 30, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyAs the crisis erupts again in Europe and the U.S. with serious questions being raised about the Pope himself, one has to wonder if the men in charge have learned anything in the past 20 years. It would appear not. If the Vatican were to ask me for advice on how to handle this situation (which they will not), here are my ten steps to justice and healing.
Dear Pope: It’s Me Again
Apr 19, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI’m still waiting for your call, but in the meantime, I’m quite happy to provide you with a free consultation because it’s so important that you get this right. So let me suggest some fine tuning to your efforts this past week. Please pass this memo on to your PR people.
Dear Pope: Check This Out
May 03, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceI don’t know if you follow the National Football League in the U.S., but I think you will be interested in this.
Dear Pope: Are We Talking?
May 13, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI’m so glad you seem to be finding my advice helpful as you move to respond to the growing crisis over sexual abuse in the church. Your comments this week suggest that your understanding has deepened and your analysis is more on target.
“. . . An Accident . . .”
May 21, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsThis story caught my attention last week. This is how the defense attorney described his client’s murder of his former girlfriend.
Rape Victim Apologizes to Church?
Jun 09, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual ViolenceThat’s right. In 1997, a fifteen-year-old girl was raped (allegedly) by Ernest Willis, an adult church member. As a result, she became pregnant. She was instructed by her pastor, Chuck Phelps, to come before the church, confess, and apologize for getting pregnant, and then she was kicked out of Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, NH.
Dear Pope: Off Track Again?
Jun 29, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI realize it has been a bad week for you and the Vatican. First, the Belgian police raid the offices of the Belgian Council of Bishops and remove records of sexual abuse investigations. You condemn this action by the police, expressing concern for the confidentiality of victims’ records. With all due respect, is it really the victims’ records you are worried about or the accused priests’ records?
Boys to Men
Jul 19, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceA baseball game is a place where boys are socialized to become men. And in a world where men’s violence against women is rampant, it is worth considering as a place to work on changing the norm of violence against women. Help the Seattle Mariners win a $200,000 Pepsi Refresh Project grant to support domestic violence work!
Dear Pope: I Was Worried
Aug 02, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyWhile I was on vacation, the Vatican came out with a significant doctrinal statement condemning the sexual abuse of children and the ordination of women. One could not help but conclude that these were somehow related. So I was worried that you intended to send the message that the crime of sexual abuse of a child was equivalent to the doctrinal violation of ordaining women.
Pastors Who Don’t Report
Aug 13, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Child AbusePastors Daniel and Laura McCluskey from the Church on the Word in Phoenix have been arrested. The pastors were both arrested Tuesday and booked on one count each of failure to report sexual abuse. One victim of incestuous abuse disclosed to them in 2008. The pastors confronted the abusive father who admitted his abuse of his daughter but was “repentant.” The pastors counseled the victim to “forgive” her father and restore the relationship. The father allegedly stopped abusing this daughter (who then moved out) but continued to molest her younger sister.
Freedom of Religion . . . for Some?
Aug 19, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsLast Sunday I preached at my local church, and I am attaching a summary version of my sermon here. I am speaking as a Christian pastor to my fellow Christians. During this season of Ramadan, a primary holiday for Muslims, and with “Islamophobia” being stoked by demagogues, Christians must speak up. These are dangerous times.
A Spiritual Battle between Good and Evil?
Aug 28, 2010 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceIs addressing domestic violence a spiritual battle between good and evil? This is the question I received last week from a colleague. As I pondered this question, I sent a note to several other colleagues for their input. I think the answer we all agreed to is “yes and no.” Or as one Muslim colleague said, “Essential and not sufficient.”
The Calendar Brings Us Together
Sep 09, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsThe fact that Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) begins the evening of September 8 and Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan for Muslims) occurs on September 10 this year offer us an opportunity to consider the richness of these faith traditions common to America.
You Shall Know the Truth . . .
Sep 24, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyBishop Eddie Long is a national Christian leader, preacher and pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, a megachurch in Lithonia, Georgia, outside Atlanta. He is now facing three civil actions from two young male members of his church alleging that he coerced and manipulated them into sexual activity with him. He denies the allegations. His church members are stunned, and many are coming to his defense. The allegations made by the two men fit the classic pattern of clergy misconduct involving sexual abuse.
Dear Bishop Long
Oct 12, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyDear Bishop Long: As a fellow pastor, I am glad to see that you are studying scripture and praying as you confront the allegations of pastoral misconduct from four of your young followers. I see that you are comparing yourself to David as a young man in battle with Goliath. I appreciate your identification with David, a young man battling powerful odds. However, you might find it interesting to study the older David, the flawed and imperfect leader we read about in II Samuel.
It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Color Is Purple
Oct 28, 2010 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that? It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’m sure you knew that because you can’t help but see the pink all around. On my flight last week, the airline was selling pink lemonade and martinis as well as collecting donations--all to go to breast cancer research. Football players in NFL games this month are wearing pink! Pink?! How cool is that? So why aren’t the airlines selling grape soda and football players wearing purple in support of ending domestic violence?
Domestic Terror: A State of Intense Fear Related to Household or Family
Nov 15, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceHere are two current events that, when juxtaposed, caught my interest. Changing social norms is getting harder, not easier. “In revealing the decision points that led him to choose waterboarding as an interrogation technique, Bush says, ‘CIA experts drew up a list of interrogation techniques . . . At my direction, Department of Justice and CIA lawyers conducted a careful legal review. The enhanced interrogation program complied with the Constitution and all applicable laws, including those that ban torture.’”
16 Days of Activism
Nov 30, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceI awoke to bright sun and cool breeze in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s summer here. Everything is in bloom in this semi-tropical part of the world. This is good news to an already light-deprived northwesterner who left winter and snow behind in the States. I am here as a guest of the South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI). I am also here as a speaker and specialist sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
“My Heart Is So Sore . . .”
Dec 01, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceWe sat together with the Religious Leaders Forum of Cape Town. Clergy and lay, men and women who have come together to address gender violence in their communities. Twenty people met in a room in a Dutch Reformed Church. The women began to share their stories.
“Love-All That and More” Debuts in Cape Town!
Dec 07, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Healthy Teen Relationships, Domestic ViolenceSince 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.
The Launch of SAFFI
Dec 02, 2010 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceElizabeth Petersen first contacted FaithTrust Institute in 2004 and finally came for a visit in 2009 while she was studying in the U.S. on a Humphrey Fellowship. Immediately upon meeting her, we realized that her vision for her work in South Africa paralleled our work at FaithTrust Institute.
“My Heart Is So Sore . . .” - Part 2
Dec 10, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsOn 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.
Robben Island
Dec 11, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsThree 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.
The Christmas Pageant
Dec 27, 2010 — Categories: Current EventsMy 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.
Before “Yes, We Can” . . .
Jan 05, 2011 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceBefore “Yes, We Can,” there was “WE CAN.” Women Empowered Committed Against Negativity (WE CAN) is an organization whose office is in a house on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. The leader of WE CAN is Loretta Joseph. She is a Roman Catholic laywoman who has organized Catholic and Protestant women outside the church in order to get the work done—i.e. the work of supporting and empowering women in their real lives.
Remembering Jewish Songwriter and Singer Debbie Friedman
Jan 10, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceDebbie 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.
Apartheid: What a Concept?!
Jan 17, 2011 — Categories: Current EventsI 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.
Preparing for Spring
Feb 01, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceI 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.
Dear Cardinal Mahony
Feb 17, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyI 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.
35 Years Ago . . .
Feb 28, 2011 — Categories: Violence Against WomenI was ordained to the Christian ministry 35 years ago today--February 28, 1976--in the chapel of Yale Divinity School, where I had just completed my Masters of Divinity degree. I became infamous as the woman who was ordained without a “call.” What this meant at the time was that I was ordained without a job. Some people equated the two. In 1976, wanting to work on violence against women within the faith community, I knew very well that there were no jobs.
“‘A Day of Reckoning and Justice’ for Abuse Victims”
Mar 29, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThis 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.
Time to Step Up to the Plate
Apr 08, 2011 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThis 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.