Responsibility
Re “Placement of Jesuits Under Supervision Raises Concerns,” by Michael J. O’Loughlin and Kevin Clarke (1/21): Priests must stop protecting one another. The nation must stop allowing abusive priests to be treated any differently from other abusers. They are breaking the law—not just God’s law but the actual law, and they should be held criminally responsible.
Dina Janis
To Brexit or Not to Brexit?
Re “Theresa May Fumbles Toward a No-deal Brexit,” by David Stewart, S.J. (1/21): Once the Brexit vote was confirmed, the process of Brexit appeared to be unstoppable—even when it became increasingly obvious to open-minded people how severe the consequences would be. Now there is chaos, confusion and apparently a no-win strategy. A hard Brexit would cause significant hardship for both the United Kingdom and the European Union. I hope I am wrong.
Michael Barberi
Real Help
Re “Single Mothers and the Catholic Church,” by Kaya Oakes (1/21): It was embarrassing, humiliating actually, to be a divorced woman in our parish in 1977. Saying “Let me know if I can do anything to help” is not real help. A single parents’ group might be a good organization and serve its purpose. But what I missed the most with my church friends was being included in their social life, as I had been when I was in a relationship.
Denise Delurgio
Assisted Discernment
Re “A Mid-Life Calling,” by John W. Miller (1/21): While I agree that not every conversion moment calls one to the convent, I have learned the value of assisted discernment when I am called to grow in a new direction. Otherwise, I default to what I perceive as familiar and safe.
Susan Crockett
Holding Both Sides Accountable
Re “To Support and Defend,” by Tom Kean (1/21): It is easy to say we need to hold both sides accountable when the United States delivers foreign aid to fragile states in an effort to combat terrorism. I am not naïve enough to think that will ever happen. There needs to be a third-party oversight committee to hold both sides accountable.
Tess Blevins
The Right Thing
Re “Christmas Chaos at the Border,” by J.D. Long-García (1/7): The charitable organizations operating on both sides of the border, whose personnel are offering all the help that they can to migrants, are doing exactly the right thing according to our Christian principles. They should be supported in every way that we can think of within our individual capabilities.
Charles Erlinger
Complicated
Re “What Is at Stake?” by Paul P. Mariani, S.J. (1/7): It really is a complex situation. What worries me is the line that says the Chinese government doesn’t want a positive outcome for the church. I fear this could lead to the government controlling the church in China. I also feel there are positives in this agreement. This will be an interesting issue to follow.
Liam Foley
Mobilizing Love
Thank you for publishing Anne-Marie Drew’s article about suicide (“Mobilizing Love,” 1/7). But there was a glaring omission of the National Suicide Hotline phone number as a resource for those contemplating suicide: (800) 273-8255. The call is forwarded to a local hotline where volunteers are available 24/7. The resource is also helpful for family and friends who want to be able to support someone who is struggling. The website (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) is another wonderful resource.
I would suggest that the hotline number be included at the end of any article on suicide. If we can surround our loved ones with informed, caring people, we are truly
mobilizing love.
Pat Langley
San Rafael, Calif.
