Any move by the U.S. Catholic bishops to deny Communion to Catholics who support abortion rights seems antithetical to the message of Jesus, who surrounded himself with saints, sinners and everyone in between. He reached out to all, welcomed all. Sadly, the power of his message is succumbing more and more to ultra-conservative factions in the Church, particularly when it comes to issues regarding sexuality and those affecting women.
During this designated Pride Month, I see so many churches unabashedly displaying the Pride flag, signaling welcome and acceptance. No such flags at Catholic churches. That is sad. Whereas Jesus drew individuals in, the Church today seems to be driving people away. Many Catholics in this country and elsewhere, like President Joe Biden, personally oppose abortion but do not believe in imposing their view on others. Why is the all-male Congregation of U.S. Catholic Bishops set to further divide the U.S. Church? Church membership is already declining and will further do so if such a measure is enacted.
Young people today, in particular, find little to attract them to a male-dominated, authoritarian, hierarchical institution that places judgement over love and mercy, failing to embrace humanity with love, understanding and compassion. Even for those in the Church who are no longer young, the Congregation of Catholic Bishops seems pathetically out of touch and on a course that will ultimately drive more Catholics to join different faith communities.
Madeleine Felix, Evanston
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Can we believe police stats?
Frank Main’s shocking investigative report on how difficult it is to make a police report has so many ramifications I really don’t know where to start.
I confess I’m not naive when it comes to Chicago Police Department fudging crime numbers. As a former officer, I remember once I was ordered to make a lost-and-found report on a 5,000-pound safe by a police commander who never liked to have serious crimes show up in his district. Main’s report uncovers yet another reason not to believe the numbers that the department releases to the public.
Not being able to report a stolen auto for even a few hours is such an advantage to a criminal. Property crimes that are not properly reported may not seem all that important to anyone, except the victims, but it means burglars and thieves are given an intolerable advantage. Staffing the call-back center with cops on administrative leave or with pending disciplinary hearings is proving to be a really bad idea that needs rethinking. What was once sold as a great idea to keep more patrols on the street has become a nightmare that needs fixing, either with tighter supervision or an entirely new system.
Next time we hear about crime stats, unless there is a change, can they really be believed?
Bob Angone, retired CPD lieutenant, Austin, Texas
Dim future for Chicago schools
The Chicago Teachers Union will run a complete slate in the election of a school board. They have the money and staff to get the slate elected. In the end, the union will be negotiating with their hand-picked school board.
Who will represent the students, their families, and the taxpayers?
Bob Sheehan, Riverside
