STLOG, OCTOBER 29, 2008
Reflections on Pregnant Catholic Priests
Can't wait for the baby's arrival: Thanks for this piece ["St. Louis Claims First Pregnant Catholic Priest," Kristen Hinman]. Jessica Rowley is a gem and we can't wait for her child to be delivered. Please note, however, that the Ecumenical Catholic Community is not "a splinter group of the Roman Catholic Church." We are a part of smaller, ancient and non-Roman branch of Catholicism. Please see our website for details.Frank Krebs, Pastor, Sts. Clare & Francis ECC
Hail Jessica: Thank you for your article's recognition of Jessica Rowley and the new pathways she is charting for women priests in St. Louis. What a beautiful image of priesthood she presents, in the fullness of her pregnancy. I have often wondered how in the world Christianity morphed its creator God as a male when it is women who give birth and life! It will be a great day when the gender of our priests will no longer be an issue.
Gerry Rauch, via the Internet
Part of sect: I am very happy for her and congratulate on her pregnancy. On the other hand, she is not a Catholic priestess; there are no Catholic priestesses. She is part of a sect. I am a Catholic, and I wish and pray for a time when women and married men can become priests. But until then, I am 100 percent faithful to the Roman Catholic Catechism.
Rafael, via the Internet
God will not be pleased: The Bible clearly states what a pastor should be. For example, Titus 1:6: "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." Also refer to 2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...." So if you believe the Bible is the Word of God, then this is (along with much more Catholic doctrine) contrary to the will of God. For this to be justified, it has to be by something other than the Bible.
Nate, via the Internet
Practice what you preach: I was raised as a Roman Catholic and married a man raised to be a Hindu priest. There was a time when I would have been ex-communicated. Instead, I had a Catholic wedding. I think it is great that this group exists and is moving the church forward to the true words of Jesus. When he said to love our neighbors, he meant all of them, not just the ones who blindly follow the rules set by man, or who believe exactly what we do, but those who are good Samaritans and care for others because it is the right thing to do. Those who lead by their examples as much as by words they speak from the altar. The notion of excommunication in this mobile society is amusing.
Being part of a religion is a matter of your own heart and what you practice is not controlled by others. There are no security guards standing at the entrances to any of the Roman Catholic churches to see if your name is on the list. Excommunication is a way to scare people into behaving and not questioning man's interpretation of God's words. The final decision of whether or not we belong is based on how we live our lives and what is in our hearts. It is up to God to decide. These are individuals living by the spirit of the Catholic Church, but not by rules that do not fit the place of women in modern society.
Sandra McGuire, via the Internet
Phony Catholic: She's a Catholic priest like I am the pope. Just because you say you are something, it doesn't make you that something. A bishop or cardinal at the very least needed to be involved to make a priest. She isn't one. Report the news with some attempt at truth.
John McCormick, via the Internet
She can't be a priest, for God's sake: I hate to break it to you guys, but women simply cannot be priests according to the Vatican. It is a First Order of Truth that women are not to be ordained in the Roman Catholic Church. Look up the Orders of Truth. First Orders are Church law and cannot be changed. Second Orders can't be removed from Church law, but can be moved to First Orders. Third Orders can be moved up or removed. Sorry, but women will never and can never be priests, regardless of the cultural environment that may be present. It's been confirmed several times by the Vatican.
False, via the Internet
FEATURE, OCTOBER 16, 2008
Note to Hoffmann: Mind Your Own Business
Stop being such a busybody: Chad Garrison's "Mavericky!" is an accurate representation of John Hoffmann's incessant exposure of all flaws, no matter how miniscule or trivial. In fact, Hoffmann will probably be flattered by the article. While most people see writing and publishing against who they work for as suicidal, this thought obviously hasn't crossed Hoffmann's mind, and it's no wonder that he was fired from his job twice. Since he goes behind the backs of the officials that sit with him, it's no wonder that he doesn't get support from them for his ideas later. If Hoffmann wants to act independently, he shouldn't keep pursuing a job that requires the work of other people.
Safia Madani, Bridgeton
