US Catholic bishops meeting in Chicago voted by ballot on whether to extend the policy adopted in 2002 to permanently barring sex offenders from church work.
Surprisingly many of the bishops were looking for a change in the policy to allow some offenders the opportunity to practice their ministry. They believe that the policy violates Church teachings on redemption and forgiveness. This writer is a little shocked that the bishops would consider such a change. Recently the Diocese of Covington (KY) established a multi-million dollar fund to pay the victims of priestly sexual abuse.
While this fund covers decades of abuse, it also demonstrates the Church would rather pay itself out of a problem than solve it. The policy to bar sex offenders is the only policy that will go toward a solution. If the bishops are concerned with redemption and forgiveness, they are welcome to forgive whoever they want, but these people do not belong in ministry to adults or children.
Church leaders, on the other hand, say that now is not the time for any changes. Well, at least someone is thinking.
One of the proponents of change is Chicago Cardinal Francis George. Cardinal George believes the policy is "draconian" but necessary. "Our real convictions come from the failure of oversight of priests by bishops in the past, and the concern of parents and the protection of their children," George said.
Victims groups are still concerned about the prelates enforcing the policy. They say the church leaders cannot be trusted to oversee the policy and act accordingly. But George said anyone who considers this policy weak, "should talk to the priests who have been affected by this."
Bishops Vote on Ban for Abusive Priests - Yahoo! News
Catholic Bishops
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The US House has passed a measure that will tie payment of dues to the UN to reforms at the scandal-ridden world body.
The 221 - 184 vote will withhold one half of the annual dues assessed the United States, currently about $400 million. The bill listed four dozen steps to improve accountability and root out corruption. Failure to comply would also result in US refusal to support expanded and new peacekeeping missions.
"History shows that when Congress stands tough, when it says that if you don't reform we are not going to pay, then change occurs," said House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde, R-Ill., author of the legislation.
While applauding the action of the House, the Bush administration said the withholding of funds from the UN could "detract from and undermine our efforts" to work with U.N. members to improve the organization.
The bill now goes to the Senate which has no immediate plans to take up the measure and final passage is uncertain.
Attention senators, this is your chance to stand up for something. How many corrupt programs does it take? The Oil-For-Food debacle has ties directly to Secretary General Kofi Annan, yet certain liberal senators ignore them. The program that actress Angelina Jolie gave millions of dollars to cannot account for the money. No one knows where it went.
How long can the US support such a corrupt organization whose members dislike the United States? What the members of the UN enjoy is diplomatic immunity which enables them to commit crimes in New York City without any retribution or prosecution.
It is time for the US to withhold funds from the UN. It is also time to withdraw from the organization and let them find a home in some other country.
House Passes Bill to Slash Funds to U.N. - Yahoo! News
United Nations, Henry Hyde
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Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is still involved in the Terri Schiavo case. Bush said Friday that a prosecutor will investigate the 911 call made following Schiabvo's collapse. Throughout the case there has been a question of the time lapse between her collapse and a call to 911.
Some estimates say it was between 40 and 70 minutes before Michael Schiavo called 911. Bush said the request for the investigation was not to suggest that Michael Schiavo did anything wrong.
"It's a significant question that during this ordeal was never brought up," Bush told reporters.
Neither Michael Schioavo's attorney nor Pinellas County State Attorney Bernie McCabe could be reached for comment.
What is the governor trying to do? Isn't it time for all politicians, attorneys, family members, and the press to let Terri Schiavo rest in peace? Why continue to drag this through investigation after investigation. Is Jeb Bush running for something?
Probe Sought in Terri Schiavo 911 Call - Yahoo! News
Terri Schiavo, Jeb Bush
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The Iowa Supreme Court refused to change a lower-court ruling to dissolve the civil union of two women. The court reasoned that the plaintiffs were not harmed and did not have standing in court.
The high court noted that it was not deciding the merits of the case. "Rather, our task is to determine whether these plaintiffs are the proper parties to bring this action," the court wrote.
The original lawsuit challenged a ruling by Judge Jeffrey Neary that let a lesbian couple end their civil union. The original paperwork for the petition said divorce, but the court later changed it to termination of a civil union.
The decision by the high court still leaves open the question of same sex marriage and civil unions in Iowa.
Court Won't Challenge Civil Union Ruling - Yahoo! News
Gay Marriage
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More on Monday.
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