Taylor's WEBSITE
Saturday, 24 April 2010
MADPRIEST HAS A 100% WATERTIGHT ALIBI
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
The (British) Foreign Office has been forced to issue a public apology after an official document suggested Britain should mark the Pope's visit this year by asking him to open an abortion clinic, bless a gay marriage and launch a range of Benedict-branded condoms. The document also suggested Benedict XVI could show his hard line on the sensitive issue of child abuse allegations against Roman Catholic priests by "sacking dodgy bishops" and launching a helpline for abused children.
The ideas were included in a paper titled "The ideal visit would see..." which was distributed to officials in Whitehall and Downing Street preparing for the historic visit in September. A cover note said the paper stemmed from a brainstorming session and accepted that some of the ideas were "far-fetched".
The Foreign Office has apologised for what it described as a "foolish" document and said the individual responsible had been transferred to other duties.
In a note, the official responsible for sending out the memo - a junior civil servant in his 20s - said: "Please protect; these should not be shared externally."
An investigation was launched after some recipients of the memo objected to the disrespectful tone of the paper.
IN WHICH MADPRIEST FALLS OFF HIS CHAIR
From the comments to MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Laurel Massé (http://profile.typepad.com/6p00d83499cd2669e2) has left a new comment on your post "MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY":
Are we? Thank you, dear Mad Priest.
And blessings,
Laurel Masse
Laurel Masse was in The Manhattan Transfer when they were good (1972-1978), before they got all poppy. With the exception of Doug Blanchard she is the most famous person to have commented at OCICBW... Yes, even more famous than that bloke out of After The Fire.
And I'm sorry Grandmère Mimi and Fluffysnuggles, you've both lost main squeeze status. MadPriest is in love with another.
Now, if Alan would like to get in touch, everyone at OCICBW... will be happy.
Oh, and by the way, Laurel is still out there singing her socks off like a good un. Check out HER WEBSITE for more info and lots more photographs.
This is just too much. I think I need a cup of java and a sit down.
Laurel Massé (http://profile.typepad.com/6p00d83499cd2669e2) has left a new comment on your post "MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY":
Are we? Thank you, dear Mad Priest.
And blessings,
Laurel Masse
And I'm sorry Grandmère Mimi and Fluffysnuggles, you've both lost main squeeze status. MadPriest is in love with another.
Now, if Alan would like to get in touch, everyone at OCICBW... will be happy.
Oh, and by the way, Laurel is still out there singing her socks off like a good un. Check out HER WEBSITE for more info and lots more photographs.
This is just too much. I think I need a cup of java and a sit down.
WHAT THE PUNTERS THINK
For a whole load of new reviews by OCICBW... readers,
check out THE OCICBW... REVIEW.
check out THE OCICBW... REVIEW.
THE CARROT OF CHRIST
From UPI.COM:
MIGORI, Kenya -- An Anglican clergyman in Kenya said
members of his congregation who don't have voting cards
will no longer be offered holy communion. Canon Walter
Okeyo of the Migori Parish told a voter registration
workshop organized by the Civil Society Organization
that members of his church will have to obtain voter
identification cards before they can receive communion.
"It will be a condition in my church that you first show
me your voter's card before receiving holy communion,"
he told the meeting.
MIGORI, Kenya -- An Anglican clergyman in Kenya said
members of his congregation who don't have voting cards
will no longer be offered holy communion. Canon Walter
Okeyo of the Migori Parish told a voter registration
workshop organized by the Civil Society Organization
that members of his church will have to obtain voter
identification cards before they can receive communion.
"It will be a condition in my church that you first show
me your voter's card before receiving holy communion,"
he told the meeting.
Friday, 23 April 2010
LOVE IN A TIME OF EARTHQUAKES
From Lindy:
This photo, taken in Yushu China, was sent to me by a friend in the United States.
A different friend sent me a brief reflection the other day in which she says that the incarnation of God in Jesus was a good idea and that maybe it is time for God to incarnate again. This photo makes me believe that She has.
Thank God for Dogs!
This photo, taken in Yushu China, was sent to me by a friend in the United States.
A different friend sent me a brief reflection the other day in which she says that the incarnation of God in Jesus was a good idea and that maybe it is time for God to incarnate again. This photo makes me believe that She has.
Thank God for Dogs!
MADPRIEST'S QUESTION OF THE DAY
Why are the vast majority of jazz singers gorgeous to look at (especially when compared to singers of other types of music)?
Thursday, 22 April 2010
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds
From WKYC:
A golden retriever named "Lady" was a good and loyal dog until the end. Lady stayed by her owner, Parley Nichols' side in a field just outside of Hartville, almost a mile from their home, for almost a week after he died His body was found on Wednesday night.
Even though family members passed out fliers and searched for Nichols, his body was only discovered after Lady barked at a passerby. Stark County Coroner's Investigator, Harry Campbell, said the dog likely drank water from a nearby drainage ditch. But there were no signs of food near Nichols.
The preliminary findings of an autopsy lead the Stark County Coroner to believe that Nichols suffered a natural death due to heart and lung disease.
Family members are now caring for Lady.
Lady is our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
Thanks to Paul (A) for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
Even though family members passed out fliers and searched for Nichols, his body was only discovered after Lady barked at a passerby. Stark County Coroner's Investigator, Harry Campbell, said the dog likely drank water from a nearby drainage ditch. But there were no signs of food near Nichols.The preliminary findings of an autopsy lead the Stark County Coroner to believe that Nichols suffered a natural death due to heart and lung disease.
Family members are now caring for Lady.
Lady is our...
BRICK OF THE DAY
Thanks to Paul (A) for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
NICK GRIFFIN - NOT MY MATE
From THE BBC:
The maker of Marmite is threatening legal action against the British National Party to stop it from using a jar of the spread in a party broadcast. Unilever said it had not given the BNP permission to use its product and was looking into taking out an injunction. The BNP's online broadcast was removed from its website, but it can still be seen on video hosting website YouTube.
The party initially said the clip was a spoof, but then claimed it had not been responsible for adding the Marmite jar. In a statement, BNP leader Nick Griffin said the jar had "apparently" been inserted by "one of the people to whom we had given the broadcast to review".
However, Mr Griffin went on to say that the Marmite jar had been added in reaction to a 2009 advertising campaign for Marmite which he said mocked the BNP. In the Marmite campaign at the time of the European Parliament election, two spoof political parties, the Love Party and the Hate Party, compete in a mock election.
The BNP claims the Hate Party was "clearly based" on itself.
Thanks to Themethatisme for sending the link
to this story through to MadPriest Towers.
The party initially said the clip was a spoof, but then claimed it had not been responsible for adding the Marmite jar. In a statement, BNP leader Nick Griffin said the jar had "apparently" been inserted by "one of the people to whom we had given the broadcast to review".
However, Mr Griffin went on to say that the Marmite jar had been added in reaction to a 2009 advertising campaign for Marmite which he said mocked the BNP. In the Marmite campaign at the time of the European Parliament election, two spoof political parties, the Love Party and the Hate Party, compete in a mock election.
The BNP claims the Hate Party was "clearly based" on itself.
Thanks to Themethatisme for sending the link
to this story through to MadPriest Towers.
KILLER DOGS SAVAGE CHILD
This demonstration of acute cuteness was brought
to you by OCICBW... correspondent, Paul (A).
HELPING HANS
From Hans Küng open letter to Catholic Bishops:
The consequences of all these scandals for the reputation of the Catholic Church are disastrous. Important church leaders have already admitted this. Numerous innocent and committed pastors and educators are suffering under the stigma of suspicion now blanketing the church. You, reverend bishops, must face up to the question: What will happen to our church and to your diocese in the future? It is not my intention to sketch out a new program of church reform. That I have done often enough both before and after the council. Instead, I want only to lay before you six proposals that I am convinced are supported by millions of Catholics who have no voice in the current situation.
1. Do not keep silent: By keeping silent in the face of so many serious grievances, you taint yourselves with guilt. When you feel that certain laws, directives and measures are counterproductive, you should say this in public. Send Rome not professions of your devotion, but rather calls for reform!
2. Set about reform: Too many in the church and in the episcopate complain about Rome, but do nothing themselves. When people no longer attend church in a diocese, when the ministry bears little fruit, when the public is kept in ignorance about the needs of the world, when ecumenical co-operation is reduced to a minimum, then the blame cannot simply be shoved off on Rome. Whether bishop, priest, layman or laywoman – everyone can do something for the renewal of the church within his own sphere of influence, be it large or small. Many of the great achievements that have occurred in the individual parishes and in the church at large owe their origin to the initiative of an individual or a small group. As bishops, you should support such initiatives and, especially given the present situation, you should respond to the just complaints of the faithful.
3. Act in a collegial way: After heated debate and against the persistent opposition of the Curia, the Second Vatican Council decreed the collegiality of the pope and the bishops. It did so in the sense of the Acts of the Apostles, in which Peter did not act alone without the college of the apostles. In the post-conciliar era, however, the pope and the Curia have ignored this decree. Just two years after the council, Pope Paul VI issued his encyclical defending the controversial celibacy law without the slightest consultation of the bishops. Since then, papal politics and the papal magisterium have continued to act in the old, uncollegial fashion. Even in liturgical matters, the pope rules as an autocrat over and against the bishops. He is happy to surround himself with them as long as they are nothing more than stage extras with neither voices nor voting rights. This is why, venerable bishops, you should not act for yourselves alone, but rather in the community of the other bishops, of the priests and of the men and women who make up the church.
4. Unconditional obedience is owed to God alone: Although at your episcopal consecration you had to take an oath of unconditional obedience to the pope, you know that unconditional obedience can never be paid to any human authority; it is due to God alone. For this reason, you should not feel impeded by your oath to speak the truth about the current crisis facing the church, your diocese and your country. Your model should be the apostle Paul, who dared to oppose Peter “to his face since he was manifestly in the wrong”! ( Galatians 2:11 ). Pressuring the Roman authorities in the spirit of Christian fraternity can be permissible and even necessary when they fail to live up to the spirit of the Gospel and its mission. The use of the vernacular in the liturgy, the changes in the regulations governing mixed marriages, the affirmation of tolerance, democracy and human rights, the opening up of an ecumenical approach, and the many other reforms of Vatican II were only achieved because of tenacious pressure from below.
5. Work for regional solutions: The Vatican has frequently turned a deaf ear to the well-founded demands of the episcopate, the priests and the laity. This is all the more reason for seeking wise regional solutions. As you are well aware, the rule of celibacy, which was inherited from the Middle Ages, represents a particularly delicate problem. In the context of today’s clerical abuse scandal, the practice has been increasingly called into question. Against the expressed will of Rome, a change would appear hardly possible; yet this is no reason for passive resignation. When a priest, after mature consideration, wishes to marry, there is no reason why he must automatically resign his office when his bishop and his parish choose to stand behind him. Individual episcopal conferences could take the lead with regional solutions. It would be better, however, to seek a solution for the whole church, therefore:
6. Call for a council: Just as the achievement of liturgical reform, religious freedom, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue required an ecumenical council, so now a council is needed to solve the dramatically escalating problems calling for reform. In the century before the Reformation, the Council of Constance decreed that councils should be held every five years. Yet the Roman Curia successfully managed to circumvent this ruling. There is no question that the Curia, fearing a limitation of its power, would do everything in its power to prevent a council coming together in the present situation. Thus it is up to you to push through the calling of a council or at least a representative assembly of bishops.
With the church in deep crisis, this is my appeal to you, venerable bishops: Put to use the episcopal authority that was reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council. In this urgent situation, the eyes of the world turn to you. Innumerable people have lost their trust in the Catholic Church. Only by openly and honestly reckoning with these problems and resolutely carrying out needed reforms can their trust be regained. With all due respect, I beg you to do your part – together with your fellow bishops as far as possible, but also alone if necessary – in apostolic “fearlessness” ( Acts 4:29, 31 ). Give your faithful signs of hope and encouragement and give our church a perspective for the future.
I have posted the full text of Hans Kung's letter
on the FOOTNOTES page.
The consequences of all these scandals for the reputation of the Catholic Church are disastrous. Important church leaders have already admitted this. Numerous innocent and committed pastors and educators are suffering under the stigma of suspicion now blanketing the church. You, reverend bishops, must face up to the question: What will happen to our church and to your diocese in the future? It is not my intention to sketch out a new program of church reform. That I have done often enough both before and after the council. Instead, I want only to lay before you six proposals that I am convinced are supported by millions of Catholics who have no voice in the current situation.
1. Do not keep silent: By keeping silent in the face of so many serious grievances, you taint yourselves with guilt. When you feel that certain laws, directives and measures are counterproductive, you should say this in public. Send Rome not professions of your devotion, but rather calls for reform!
2. Set about reform: Too many in the church and in the episcopate complain about Rome, but do nothing themselves. When people no longer attend church in a diocese, when the ministry bears little fruit, when the public is kept in ignorance about the needs of the world, when ecumenical co-operation is reduced to a minimum, then the blame cannot simply be shoved off on Rome. Whether bishop, priest, layman or laywoman – everyone can do something for the renewal of the church within his own sphere of influence, be it large or small. Many of the great achievements that have occurred in the individual parishes and in the church at large owe their origin to the initiative of an individual or a small group. As bishops, you should support such initiatives and, especially given the present situation, you should respond to the just complaints of the faithful.
3. Act in a collegial way: After heated debate and against the persistent opposition of the Curia, the Second Vatican Council decreed the collegiality of the pope and the bishops. It did so in the sense of the Acts of the Apostles, in which Peter did not act alone without the college of the apostles. In the post-conciliar era, however, the pope and the Curia have ignored this decree. Just two years after the council, Pope Paul VI issued his encyclical defending the controversial celibacy law without the slightest consultation of the bishops. Since then, papal politics and the papal magisterium have continued to act in the old, uncollegial fashion. Even in liturgical matters, the pope rules as an autocrat over and against the bishops. He is happy to surround himself with them as long as they are nothing more than stage extras with neither voices nor voting rights. This is why, venerable bishops, you should not act for yourselves alone, but rather in the community of the other bishops, of the priests and of the men and women who make up the church.
4. Unconditional obedience is owed to God alone: Although at your episcopal consecration you had to take an oath of unconditional obedience to the pope, you know that unconditional obedience can never be paid to any human authority; it is due to God alone. For this reason, you should not feel impeded by your oath to speak the truth about the current crisis facing the church, your diocese and your country. Your model should be the apostle Paul, who dared to oppose Peter “to his face since he was manifestly in the wrong”! ( Galatians 2:11 ). Pressuring the Roman authorities in the spirit of Christian fraternity can be permissible and even necessary when they fail to live up to the spirit of the Gospel and its mission. The use of the vernacular in the liturgy, the changes in the regulations governing mixed marriages, the affirmation of tolerance, democracy and human rights, the opening up of an ecumenical approach, and the many other reforms of Vatican II were only achieved because of tenacious pressure from below.
5. Work for regional solutions: The Vatican has frequently turned a deaf ear to the well-founded demands of the episcopate, the priests and the laity. This is all the more reason for seeking wise regional solutions. As you are well aware, the rule of celibacy, which was inherited from the Middle Ages, represents a particularly delicate problem. In the context of today’s clerical abuse scandal, the practice has been increasingly called into question. Against the expressed will of Rome, a change would appear hardly possible; yet this is no reason for passive resignation. When a priest, after mature consideration, wishes to marry, there is no reason why he must automatically resign his office when his bishop and his parish choose to stand behind him. Individual episcopal conferences could take the lead with regional solutions. It would be better, however, to seek a solution for the whole church, therefore:
6. Call for a council: Just as the achievement of liturgical reform, religious freedom, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue required an ecumenical council, so now a council is needed to solve the dramatically escalating problems calling for reform. In the century before the Reformation, the Council of Constance decreed that councils should be held every five years. Yet the Roman Curia successfully managed to circumvent this ruling. There is no question that the Curia, fearing a limitation of its power, would do everything in its power to prevent a council coming together in the present situation. Thus it is up to you to push through the calling of a council or at least a representative assembly of bishops.
With the church in deep crisis, this is my appeal to you, venerable bishops: Put to use the episcopal authority that was reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council. In this urgent situation, the eyes of the world turn to you. Innumerable people have lost their trust in the Catholic Church. Only by openly and honestly reckoning with these problems and resolutely carrying out needed reforms can their trust be regained. With all due respect, I beg you to do your part – together with your fellow bishops as far as possible, but also alone if necessary – in apostolic “fearlessness” ( Acts 4:29, 31 ). Give your faithful signs of hope and encouragement and give our church a perspective for the future.
I have posted the full text of Hans Kung's letter
on the FOOTNOTES page.
THE COUNTER DEFORMATION - AN UPDATE
From THE IRISH TIMES:
A former vicar-general in the archdiocese of Munich has claimed that he was pressurised last month into taking the blame for a mistake made 30 years ago by the then Archbishop of Munich, Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict), concerning the case of a paedophile priest.
Fr Gerhard Gruber has now said he did so only after coming under huge pressure from unnamed Catholic Church sources to take responsibility, so as to “take the pope out of the firing line”.
In a letter to a friend, seen by German weekly magazine Der Spiegel , Fr Gruber wrote that he was “begged” in numerous phone calls and after receiving a prepared statement by fax for him to sign. The magazine said Fr Gruber expresses unhappiness in the letter at being given the sole blame in public.
A spokesman for Munich archdiocese has dismissed the report as “completely made up”, saying Fr Gruber was at no point forced to sign anything but that he merely assisted in formulating the statement.
From California:
From THE AGE (Australia):
Victoria Police has called for sweeping changes to the way Melbourne's Catholic Church deals with sex crime allegations. Nearly 300 allegations of sexual abuse have been substantiated by church investigations since 1996, when the ''Melbourne Response'' was set up to deal with complaints. It is believed the abuses were perpetrated by approximately 100 priests. However, only one priest has been defrocked for abuse during the past 14 years.
Church sources say police are pushing for change because they do not want accused priests told about covert criminal investigations. Last year detectives feared the church's independent commissioner, Peter O'Callaghan, QC, may have compromised two covert investigations when he told two priests, through their lawyers, that they were being investigated. He did this without the consent of detectives, who had not yet interviewed the priests. Mr O'Callaghan's investigation is suspended when police begin theirs - and he argues that priests have a right to know.
Police - and some within the church - also want more direct support for abuse victims. They intervened after five victims last year told The Age they had concerns about the church's handling of their complaints. It can now be revealed that in August last year Mr O'Callaghan told an alleged victim that his alleged groping by a priest was unlikely to constitute a crime. In a letter he said: ''Without seeking to dissuade you from reporting the matter to police if you so desire, I must say that the conduct you described is unlikely to be held by a court as criminal conduct.'' Weeks later, police immediately assessed the same complaint as a potential sexual assault. They began an investigation and if the claim is proved it will constitute serious criminal conduct.
Mr O'Callaghan previously has said that if asked he would not comply with police requests to keep their inquiries confidential, saying priests have a right to know. ''I would have advised them, I would not consent to such a course.''
Archbishop Denis Hart last year publicly dismissed the need for any changes, saying ''because of its success, there is no need to review or fundamentally alter'' the Melbourne Response.
From FOX NEWS:
A German bishop is offering his resignation after a flap over allegations of physical abuse and financial misconduct. Augsburg Bishop Walter Mixa wrote a letter to Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday evening offering to resign as bishop and as Germany's Roman Catholic military chaplain. He wrote that the "continuing public discussion" about him had "seriously burdened priests and the faithful."
Mixa has been accused of hitting children decades ago when he was a priest. He initially denied ever using violence against youngsters but later acknowledged he may have slapped children. On Tuesday, he offered an apology.
"I am pained in my heart and sorry for causing many people grief," Mixa said in a statement without specifying what he meant.
Adding to Mixa's troubles, a special investigator has said there were financial irregularities at a children's home under Mixa's responsibility.
From WTVY:
Advocates for victims of sexual abuse by priests are protesting plans by a retired Vatican cardinal to celebrate Mass in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos is scheduled to celebrate a special Latin Mass on Saturday in honor of the fifth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's inauguration. However, the retired cardinal wrote a letter in 2001 congratulating a French bishop for shielding a priest who was convicted of raping minors.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has asked the pope and the archbishop of Washington to stop the cardinal's visit.
The archdiocese says SNAP should take the issue up with the Paulus Institute, which is organizing the Mass.
From THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
Pope Benedict XVI told his weekly public audience on Wednesday in St Peter's Square that he had told victims of abuse during his recent trip to Malta that he "shared their suffering ... assuring them of church action".
The Vatican has issued a statement saying Benedict had told the men during the private meeting that the church would do everything in its power to bring justice to abusive priests and would implement "effective measures" to protect children.
Benedict's words on Wednesday are his first public comment on the scandal.
A former vicar-general in the archdiocese of Munich has claimed that he was pressurised last month into taking the blame for a mistake made 30 years ago by the then Archbishop of Munich, Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict), concerning the case of a paedophile priest.
Fr Gerhard Gruber has now said he did so only after coming under huge pressure from unnamed Catholic Church sources to take responsibility, so as to “take the pope out of the firing line”.
In a letter to a friend, seen by German weekly magazine Der Spiegel , Fr Gruber wrote that he was “begged” in numerous phone calls and after receiving a prepared statement by fax for him to sign. The magazine said Fr Gruber expresses unhappiness in the letter at being given the sole blame in public.
A spokesman for Munich archdiocese has dismissed the report as “completely made up”, saying Fr Gruber was at no point forced to sign anything but that he merely assisted in formulating the statement.
From California:
From THE AGE (Australia):
Victoria Police has called for sweeping changes to the way Melbourne's Catholic Church deals with sex crime allegations. Nearly 300 allegations of sexual abuse have been substantiated by church investigations since 1996, when the ''Melbourne Response'' was set up to deal with complaints. It is believed the abuses were perpetrated by approximately 100 priests. However, only one priest has been defrocked for abuse during the past 14 years.
Church sources say police are pushing for change because they do not want accused priests told about covert criminal investigations. Last year detectives feared the church's independent commissioner, Peter O'Callaghan, QC, may have compromised two covert investigations when he told two priests, through their lawyers, that they were being investigated. He did this without the consent of detectives, who had not yet interviewed the priests. Mr O'Callaghan's investigation is suspended when police begin theirs - and he argues that priests have a right to know.
Police - and some within the church - also want more direct support for abuse victims. They intervened after five victims last year told The Age they had concerns about the church's handling of their complaints. It can now be revealed that in August last year Mr O'Callaghan told an alleged victim that his alleged groping by a priest was unlikely to constitute a crime. In a letter he said: ''Without seeking to dissuade you from reporting the matter to police if you so desire, I must say that the conduct you described is unlikely to be held by a court as criminal conduct.'' Weeks later, police immediately assessed the same complaint as a potential sexual assault. They began an investigation and if the claim is proved it will constitute serious criminal conduct.
Mr O'Callaghan previously has said that if asked he would not comply with police requests to keep their inquiries confidential, saying priests have a right to know. ''I would have advised them, I would not consent to such a course.''
Archbishop Denis Hart last year publicly dismissed the need for any changes, saying ''because of its success, there is no need to review or fundamentally alter'' the Melbourne Response.
From FOX NEWS:
A German bishop is offering his resignation after a flap over allegations of physical abuse and financial misconduct. Augsburg Bishop Walter Mixa wrote a letter to Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday evening offering to resign as bishop and as Germany's Roman Catholic military chaplain. He wrote that the "continuing public discussion" about him had "seriously burdened priests and the faithful."
Mixa has been accused of hitting children decades ago when he was a priest. He initially denied ever using violence against youngsters but later acknowledged he may have slapped children. On Tuesday, he offered an apology.
"I am pained in my heart and sorry for causing many people grief," Mixa said in a statement without specifying what he meant.
Adding to Mixa's troubles, a special investigator has said there were financial irregularities at a children's home under Mixa's responsibility.
From WTVY:
Advocates for victims of sexual abuse by priests are protesting plans by a retired Vatican cardinal to celebrate Mass in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos is scheduled to celebrate a special Latin Mass on Saturday in honor of the fifth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's inauguration. However, the retired cardinal wrote a letter in 2001 congratulating a French bishop for shielding a priest who was convicted of raping minors.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has asked the pope and the archbishop of Washington to stop the cardinal's visit.
The archdiocese says SNAP should take the issue up with the Paulus Institute, which is organizing the Mass.
From THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
Pope Benedict XVI told his weekly public audience on Wednesday in St Peter's Square that he had told victims of abuse during his recent trip to Malta that he "shared their suffering ... assuring them of church action".
The Vatican has issued a statement saying Benedict had told the men during the private meeting that the church would do everything in its power to bring justice to abusive priests and would implement "effective measures" to protect children.
Benedict's words on Wednesday are his first public comment on the scandal.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
PEPPINO'S WEBSITE
After performing as the opening act for The Beatles in their 1965 tour of Italy, Peppino and his group attempted, with moderate success, to break out of the Italian market. Their work was very well-received particularly in Brazil, thanks to the large Italian immigrant community in the country.
The 70s saw Peppino veer toward a more adult contemporary style of music, with a new band, the New Rockers. He won the prestigious Festival della canzone italiana (Festival of the Italian song) in 1973, with the song Un grande amore e niente più (A great love and nothing more). (WIKIPEDIA)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND ALL RATHER FAMILIAR
I asked for more information. Whom would he meet? Would he see the health minister? Would he sit down and talk with elected prime minister Ismail Haniyeh, man of God to man of God, Mr Haniyeh being an imam? I’d like to be a fly on the wall at such a meeting. Would he “do Gaza proud by spending a generous amount of his time with senior members of the Islamic faith”? And would he look up Fr Manuel Mussallam, the redoubtable old priest who was a mainstay of the Christian community thoughout Gaza’s darkest hours and tells it straight? His office didn’t reply.
Looking at his website again now, I see he did none of those things. At least, he doesn’t mention them if he did.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is Britain’s ‘Mister Christianity’, the top cat in the Anglican Church. His website explains that his role as a figure of unity in the worldwide Anglican Communion, which is represented in over 130 countries, means that “he is in a unique position to bring the needs and voices of those fighting poverty, disease and the effects of conflict, to the attention of national and international policy makers and donor agencies.”
He started his Ecumenical letter this Easter by saying: “Christians need to witness boldly and clearly,” and ended with: “The world will not be saved by fear, but by hope and joy… In whatever way we can, we must seek to communicate this joy, however dark or uncertain the sky seems.”
Hope and joy? Tell that to the Palestinians, especially those in Gaza.
Since his return has he said anything about Gaza in the House of Lords, where he has a voice in Parliament? It seems he hasn’t opened his mouth there for over a year, hasn’t spoken in any debates and hasn’t voted. He’s a below-average performer.
So what was all that about bringing the needs of people suffering the aftermath of conflict to the attention of policy makers?
The Archbishop said in a press release that peace would not be achieved without sacrifice on all sides because the interests of one were intimately bound up with the interests of the other.
Sacrifice? How much more must Palestinians sacrifice, one wonders…?
... Kairos is a group of Palestine Christians who recently produced a document entitled “A Moment of Truth” — their word to the world about the occupation and an expression of their faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering. It is a call for solidarity to end over six decades of oppression.
Kairos Palestine calls on churches worldwide, church-related organisations, Christians and the wider international community to “condemn these shameful developments and work to restore the justice that is both our calling and our right”.
I feel sure the Archbishop knows about this. It’s Holy Land business and central to his faith. What has he to say? Will he show leadership?
And can we hope to see this shaggy-bearded prelate standing on the brow of the leading ship in the flotilla that will soon set sail to break the siege of Gaza?
That’ll be the day… Our Mister Christianity needs to be someone like Desmond Tutu who’ll take the bull by the horns.
Read all this perceptive article, written by a commentator
from "outside of the camp," at DISSIDENT VOICE.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL - AT LONG LAST! SPECIAL
Ladies and gentlemen, OCICBW... is exceptionally happy and so pleased to be able to introduce you all to the mighty...
KINGS GO FORTH
Soul at last! Soul at last!
Thank God Almighty, real soul at last!
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
These reverential glances over the shoulder would be dispiriting if they weren't so well-executed. The Kings imagine a parallel universe of R&B, one where the Motown sound continued, indifferent to changes in style and culture. That the Kings apply themselves to their craft with such enthusiasm and jubilation makes their love of careworn 45s seem positively visionary. To put it another way: in this case the future is the past.
(J. Edward Keyes)
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
GAYS OFF THE HOOK
From THE BBC:
Women who wear revealing clothing and behave promiscuously are to blame for earthquakes, an Iranian cleric says. Hojjat ol-eslam Kazem Sediqi, the acting Friday prayer leader in Tehran, said women should stick to strict codes of modesty to protect themselves.
"Many women who do not dress modestly lead young men astray and spread adultery in society which increases earthquakes," he explained.
Women who wear revealing clothing and behave promiscuously are to blame for earthquakes, an Iranian cleric says. Hojjat ol-eslam Kazem Sediqi, the acting Friday prayer leader in Tehran, said women should stick to strict codes of modesty to protect themselves.
"Many women who do not dress modestly lead young men astray and spread adultery in society which increases earthquakes," he explained.
AFTER IT IS NO LONGER NEWS
From Tracie The Red:
I don’t know who wrote this, but it is in memory of the 29 West Virginia coal miners:
The church bells rang 29 times,
so we knew it was final, and the end of the line.
Now 29 miners are at heaven's gate,
with coal silt dirty faces asking, "Is it too late?"
When God replies with half a grin,
"No my children come on in!"
They place their mining lights gently on heaven's floor
When God said, "Job well done; leave your boots at the door."
I don’t know who wrote this, but it is in memory of the 29 West Virginia coal miners:
The church bells rang 29 times,
so we knew it was final, and the end of the line.
Now 29 miners are at heaven's gate,
with coal silt dirty faces asking, "Is it too late?"
When God replies with half a grin,
"No my children come on in!"
They place their mining lights gently on heaven's floor
When God said, "Job well done; leave your boots at the door."
THE REAL COST OF WHITEWASHING TOMBS
From ANGLICAN INFORMATION (Province of Central Africa):
A new circular letter dated 20th May the Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Lake Malawi has announced a change in date for the consecration of the Venerable Francis Kaulanda as the next Bishop of Lake Malawi. The consecration and enthronement, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday 2nd May at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nkhota-kota, has now been postponed to Sunday 9th May.
This change the letter says, ‘was done by the Province in order to accommodate as many Provincial Bishops as possible’. The real reason is related to the absence of the acting Dean of the Province and other bishops who have jetted off to an all expenses paid conference in Singapore hosted by the Global South Anglican South to South Encounter.
Albert Chama, who is now in Singapore, is accompanied by Bishops William Mchama of Eastern Zambia and Godfrey Tawonzi of Masvingo, Zimbabwe, also with travelling them is the Rev’d Christopher Mwawa of Malawi. The cost of first class flights and accommodation for the four of them amounts to the value of approximately a whole year’s pay for all the currently unpaid priests in Zimbabwe and Lake Malawi! Pictures of the bishops in all their glory fronting the magnificent St Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore are available on our blogsites.
It is not clear where the monies have come from to support this venture but they are assumed to be from conservative and schismatic North American Anglicans? These are currently pursuing a fissiparous agenda in their battle against the American Episcopal Church and a disruptive and schismatic programme in the Anglican Communion.
Neither is it clear where Albert Chama’s authority to attend on behalf of the Central African Province has come from? By agreeing to attend the Conference in Singapore Albert Chama has allowed the Province to be counted as supportive of the schismatic movement. This has happened with neither Provincial synodical approval nor support from the other bishops.
Understandably, voices of dismay and anger are now being raised against the acting Dean for the profligate waste of money that could have been so much better spent.
Ironically, the new letter from the Diocesan Secretary of Lake Malawi once again asks donors for desperately needed money for the Diocese and gives banking details for transfers. Thanks to acting Dean Chama’s unwise junketing trip in South East Asia support and donations, which come largely from the U.K. and the U.S.A. and from the very churches which the Global South Conference has been called to condemn, are likely to be in short supply.
The hard-working clergy of Zimbabwe and Lake Malawi will need to go on scratching a living from their smallholdings in order to survive.
COMMENT: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."
A new circular letter dated 20th May the Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Lake Malawi has announced a change in date for the consecration of the Venerable Francis Kaulanda as the next Bishop of Lake Malawi. The consecration and enthronement, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday 2nd May at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nkhota-kota, has now been postponed to Sunday 9th May.
This change the letter says, ‘was done by the Province in order to accommodate as many Provincial Bishops as possible’. The real reason is related to the absence of the acting Dean of the Province and other bishops who have jetted off to an all expenses paid conference in Singapore hosted by the Global South Anglican South to South Encounter.
Albert Chama, who is now in Singapore, is accompanied by Bishops William Mchama of Eastern Zambia and Godfrey Tawonzi of Masvingo, Zimbabwe, also with travelling them is the Rev’d Christopher Mwawa of Malawi. The cost of first class flights and accommodation for the four of them amounts to the value of approximately a whole year’s pay for all the currently unpaid priests in Zimbabwe and Lake Malawi! Pictures of the bishops in all their glory fronting the magnificent St Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore are available on our blogsites.
It is not clear where the monies have come from to support this venture but they are assumed to be from conservative and schismatic North American Anglicans? These are currently pursuing a fissiparous agenda in their battle against the American Episcopal Church and a disruptive and schismatic programme in the Anglican Communion.
Neither is it clear where Albert Chama’s authority to attend on behalf of the Central African Province has come from? By agreeing to attend the Conference in Singapore Albert Chama has allowed the Province to be counted as supportive of the schismatic movement. This has happened with neither Provincial synodical approval nor support from the other bishops.
Understandably, voices of dismay and anger are now being raised against the acting Dean for the profligate waste of money that could have been so much better spent.
Ironically, the new letter from the Diocesan Secretary of Lake Malawi once again asks donors for desperately needed money for the Diocese and gives banking details for transfers. Thanks to acting Dean Chama’s unwise junketing trip in South East Asia support and donations, which come largely from the U.K. and the U.S.A. and from the very churches which the Global South Conference has been called to condemn, are likely to be in short supply.
The hard-working clergy of Zimbabwe and Lake Malawi will need to go on scratching a living from their smallholdings in order to survive.
COMMENT: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."
MUSIC FOR YOUR LUNCHTIME
Ben Cameron is a folk singer based in Nashville, but he grew
up in Toronto, Milan, London, and New England. Ben
recently released his debut album which was produced by
Jen Gunderman (The Jayhawks), and which attracted the
talent and contributions of Audley Freed (Black Crowes),
Fred Eltringham (Wallflowers, Dixie Chicks), and Pete
Finney (Patty Loveless). His songwriting is palpably honest,
drawing his unique observations and experiences, while his
voice is intimate and inviting as it is agile and raw. While the
record is notably understated (a la James Taylor), Ben's live
show is something to be witnessed. It's like a 70's AM revival.
Just feel good music for the feel good people.
Ben's MYSPACE page.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
"Mary queen of Arkansas,
your white skin is deceivin'"
From Arkansas Hillbilly:
I posted this to HILLBILLY MUSINGS and to facebook, but this is just too good to keep...
ARKANSAS ACT 1 HAS BEEN RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
BY THE POLASKI COUNTY COURT OF APPEALS!
For everyone who isn't from Arkansas, Act 1 is the initiative passed last November baring any non-married cohabiting couples (translated teh Gays) from adopting or providing foster care, and barred parents from designating same sex couples as guardians of their minor children if something should happen to them.
My faith in Humanity is being resotred...
Thought you'd be interested.
I posted this to HILLBILLY MUSINGS and to facebook, but this is just too good to keep...
ARKANSAS ACT 1 HAS BEEN RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
BY THE POLASKI COUNTY COURT OF APPEALS!
For everyone who isn't from Arkansas, Act 1 is the initiative passed last November baring any non-married cohabiting couples (translated teh Gays) from adopting or providing foster care, and barred parents from designating same sex couples as guardians of their minor children if something should happen to them.
My faith in Humanity is being resotred...
Thought you'd be interested.
Fourth Global South to South Encounter
For The Archbishop of Canterbury’s video address to the Fourth Global South to South Encounter, 20 April 2010, check out the post below.
For MadPriest's video address to the Fourth Global South to South Encounter, 20 April 2010, check out CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...
For details of how to get onto the CHIN WAG page, check out the right hand side bar on this page.
For MadPriest's video address to the Fourth Global South to South Encounter, 20 April 2010, check out CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...
For details of how to get onto the CHIN WAG page, check out the right hand side bar on this page.
ROWAN WILLIAMS CLAIMS ELECTION
OF MARY GLASSPOOL CRUCIFIES CHRIST
From The Archbishop of Canterbury’s video address to the Fourth Global South to South Encounter, 20 April 2010:
But of course we are reflecting on the need for a covenant in the light of confusion, brokenness and tension within our Anglican family – a brokenness and a tension that has been made still more acute by recent decisions in some of our Provinces. In all your minds there will be questions around the election and consecration of Mary Glasspool in Los Angeles. All of us share the concern that in this decision and action the Episcopal Church has deepened the divide between itself and the rest of the Anglican family. And as I speak to you now, I am in discussion with a number of people around the world about what consequences might follow from that decision, and how we express the sense that most Anglicans will want to express, that this decision cannot speak for our common mind.
But I hope also in your thinking about this and in your reacting to it, you’ll bear in mind that there are no quick solutions for the wounds of the Body of Christ. It is the work of the Spirit that heals the Body of Christ, not the plans or the statements of any group, or any person, or any instrument of communion. Naturally we seek to minimize the damage, to heal the hurts, to strengthen our mission, to make sure that it goes forward with integrity and conviction. Naturally, there are decisions that have to be taken. But at the same time we must all—as indeed your own covering notes suggest for your conference—we must all share in a sense of repentance and willingness to be renewed by the Spirit.
I have posted the full text of the address at FOOTNOTES.
But of course we are reflecting on the need for a covenant in the light of confusion, brokenness and tension within our Anglican family – a brokenness and a tension that has been made still more acute by recent decisions in some of our Provinces. In all your minds there will be questions around the election and consecration of Mary Glasspool in Los Angeles. All of us share the concern that in this decision and action the Episcopal Church has deepened the divide between itself and the rest of the Anglican family. And as I speak to you now, I am in discussion with a number of people around the world about what consequences might follow from that decision, and how we express the sense that most Anglicans will want to express, that this decision cannot speak for our common mind.
But I hope also in your thinking about this and in your reacting to it, you’ll bear in mind that there are no quick solutions for the wounds of the Body of Christ. It is the work of the Spirit that heals the Body of Christ, not the plans or the statements of any group, or any person, or any instrument of communion. Naturally we seek to minimize the damage, to heal the hurts, to strengthen our mission, to make sure that it goes forward with integrity and conviction. Naturally, there are decisions that have to be taken. But at the same time we must all—as indeed your own covering notes suggest for your conference—we must all share in a sense of repentance and willingness to be renewed by the Spirit.
I have posted the full text of the address at FOOTNOTES.
THE BELLS ARE RINGING FOR ME
AND MY CO-MINISTER OF MUSIC
From the April issue of the newsletter of
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Bath, NY.
The Rector writes:
After twenty years of loving relationship, my partner Carl Johengen and I have decided that it is time that we were legally married. Because the Church’s blessing is so important to us, we are taking the giant step this summer. I want to say a bit about the evolution of my thoughts on the journey to this point.
I am lucky to have grown up in a home environ- ment free of prejudice. My family did not contribute to any self-loathing, which is more than can be said for many gays or lesbians. That said, however, popular cul- ture did have a negative influence on my self-image. And although I have never believed that God created me as anything less than valuable and cherished by God, I have come to realize that I fight against my own homophobia virtually every day. There is a voice within me trying to tell me that I can’t do this or that because I am gay. Until recently, marriage was one of those things that inner voice spoke definitively against.
If one studies the history of marriage, one will quickly note that marriage has been primarily a legal arrangement for just about all of history save the last two centuries. It wasn’t until the last part of the 19th century that people began to see marriage as the natural outgrowth of romantic love. To this day, the tradition in Europe is for couples wanting to be married to go first to the court for legal marriage and then, if they are religious, they go to a church for a blessing.
It took me several years before I began to see the word “marriage” in purely legal terms. As a priest, when I “marry” someone, I act as an agent of New York State for a moment, much as a Justice of the Peace does. Only when we get to the blessing part do I assume my priestly role.
Legal marriage affords the couple well over a thousand legal rights and responsibilities. Until recently in New York State, I had no legal right to make health care decisions for Carl in the event he were incapacitated in the hospital (legislation changing this particular situation has recently been enacted). No one questions the rights and responsibilities of a married couple; simply saying, “I’m his wife” or “I’m her husband” opens many legal doors. Slowly, I’ve come to realize that Carl and I need those legal rights and we are ready to step up to the responsibilities of legal marriage.
Because this state doesn’t allow same gender marriage yet, we will be seeking legal marriage in another state. After that, we will be coming to the Church for its blessing on Saturday, June 5, at 2:00pm at St. Thomas’. If you open your Prayer Book to page 433, you’ll discover a rite called “The Blessing of a Civil Marriage.” Our liturgy (it’s not a wedding!) will include not only the blessing but Holy Eucharist and a sermon. We are humbled by the breadth of support from the vestry and that not one but three bishops have offered to be part of our special day. Bishop Prince Singh (Bishop of Rochester) will preside and celebrate; Bishop Jack McKelvey (retired Bishop of Rochester) will preach, and Bishop Stephen Lane (former canon in this diocese and now Bishop of Maine) will administer the vows.
I understand this is not the first same-gender blessing to take place at St. Thomas, but I’m certain it is the first for a rector!
Fr. Brad
CONGRATULATION GENTLEMEN!
From all of us at OCICBW...
INTERESTING FACT: The other co-minister of music at the church is Roxanne Gaylord. Are the good people of St. Thomas's trying to tell us something?
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Bath, NY.
The Rector writes:
After twenty years of loving relationship, my partner Carl Johengen and I have decided that it is time that we were legally married. Because the Church’s blessing is so important to us, we are taking the giant step this summer. I want to say a bit about the evolution of my thoughts on the journey to this point.
I am lucky to have grown up in a home environ- ment free of prejudice. My family did not contribute to any self-loathing, which is more than can be said for many gays or lesbians. That said, however, popular cul- ture did have a negative influence on my self-image. And although I have never believed that God created me as anything less than valuable and cherished by God, I have come to realize that I fight against my own homophobia virtually every day. There is a voice within me trying to tell me that I can’t do this or that because I am gay. Until recently, marriage was one of those things that inner voice spoke definitively against.
If one studies the history of marriage, one will quickly note that marriage has been primarily a legal arrangement for just about all of history save the last two centuries. It wasn’t until the last part of the 19th century that people began to see marriage as the natural outgrowth of romantic love. To this day, the tradition in Europe is for couples wanting to be married to go first to the court for legal marriage and then, if they are religious, they go to a church for a blessing.
It took me several years before I began to see the word “marriage” in purely legal terms. As a priest, when I “marry” someone, I act as an agent of New York State for a moment, much as a Justice of the Peace does. Only when we get to the blessing part do I assume my priestly role.
Legal marriage affords the couple well over a thousand legal rights and responsibilities. Until recently in New York State, I had no legal right to make health care decisions for Carl in the event he were incapacitated in the hospital (legislation changing this particular situation has recently been enacted). No one questions the rights and responsibilities of a married couple; simply saying, “I’m his wife” or “I’m her husband” opens many legal doors. Slowly, I’ve come to realize that Carl and I need those legal rights and we are ready to step up to the responsibilities of legal marriage.
Because this state doesn’t allow same gender marriage yet, we will be seeking legal marriage in another state. After that, we will be coming to the Church for its blessing on Saturday, June 5, at 2:00pm at St. Thomas’. If you open your Prayer Book to page 433, you’ll discover a rite called “The Blessing of a Civil Marriage.” Our liturgy (it’s not a wedding!) will include not only the blessing but Holy Eucharist and a sermon. We are humbled by the breadth of support from the vestry and that not one but three bishops have offered to be part of our special day. Bishop Prince Singh (Bishop of Rochester) will preside and celebrate; Bishop Jack McKelvey (retired Bishop of Rochester) will preach, and Bishop Stephen Lane (former canon in this diocese and now Bishop of Maine) will administer the vows.
I understand this is not the first same-gender blessing to take place at St. Thomas, but I’m certain it is the first for a rector!
Fr. Brad
CONGRATULATION GENTLEMEN!
From all of us at OCICBW...
INTERESTING FACT: The other co-minister of music at the church is Roxanne Gaylord. Are the good people of St. Thomas's trying to tell us something?
Monday, 19 April 2010
MEANWHILE, IN A POLICE STATE
SOMEWHERE NEAR CHINA . . .
A group, known as the Global South Anglican Communion (a spin off from Anglicanism) is currently meeting in Singapore. The week-long conference, whose theme is 'The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Covenant for the People and Light for the Nations', ends on Friday.
Delegates throughout the week are expected to discuss how the various Churches can support one another in missionary work and church-building. Also on the agenda will be the impact the consecration of a lesbian as bishop will have on the Anglican community. On the agenda too is community's response to the Anglican Covenant, a document put together last December that outlines the theological identity of the Anglican Church.
On Friday, a summary of the meetings is expected to be sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who leads the 75 million-strong Church. Dr Williams was invited to the meeting but his diary did not permit him to come, said event organisers.
COMMENT: Well, I suppose if you believe Jesus Christ came to earth to tell his followers to hate and exclude people, you'll believe anything - including Lambeth's diplomatic "up yours!"
The above report was taken, appropriately enough, from THE STRAITS TIMES (which sounds like a "Gay News" for closet cases).
Delegates throughout the week are expected to discuss how the various Churches can support one another in missionary work and church-building. Also on the agenda will be the impact the consecration of a lesbian as bishop will have on the Anglican community. On the agenda too is community's response to the Anglican Covenant, a document put together last December that outlines the theological identity of the Anglican Church.
On Friday, a summary of the meetings is expected to be sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who leads the 75 million-strong Church. Dr Williams was invited to the meeting but his diary did not permit him to come, said event organisers.
COMMENT: Well, I suppose if you believe Jesus Christ came to earth to tell his followers to hate and exclude people, you'll believe anything - including Lambeth's diplomatic "up yours!"
The above report was taken, appropriately enough, from THE STRAITS TIMES (which sounds like a "Gay News" for closet cases).
Blimey! I Don't Fancy Yours Much!
The full story (which we featured on Chin Wag a couple of weeks ago) can be found HERE. I wrote "which we featured on Chin Wag a couple of weeks ago" so that nobody has to email in to tell me that they already read it on Chin Wag a couple of weeks ago.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL
Green Onions - Booker T. & The MG's (above)
I'll Bring It Home To You - Carla Thomas
The Hawg, Part One - Eddie Kirk
That's My Guy - Cheryl Johnson & Pam Johnson
What Can I Do - Bobby Marchan (below)
That's What My Heart Needs - Otis Redding
Bango - Billy & The King Bees
Walking The Dog - Rufus Thomas
Bobby was born in Youngstown, Ohio, where as an adolescent he became fascinated by female impersonators who performed in local theaters. He began appearing in drag as a comedian and singer. In 1953, he organised a troupe of female impersonators called "The Powder Box Revue" that was booked at New Orleans' Dew Drop Inn for several weeks. Finding the city's relaxed temperament to his liking, not to mention the ample opportunities to work as an entertainer, he relocated, renting a room above the Dew Drop.
In 1954, he became the master of ceremonies at Club Tiajuana, where he was discovered by Aladdin Records' Eddie Mesner, who was impressed by Marchan's sophisticated blues style. He later recorded for Dot before beginning a long and successful association with Ace Records.
After he left Ace and The Clowns, he went back on the road as a
female impersonator. Eventually he contacted Fire Records' Bobby Robinson about recording the Big Jay McNeely song "There Is
Something on Your Mind." His version hit No. 1 on the R&B charts.
In 1963, Otis Redding recommended him to Jim Stewart at Stax/Volt and he began making the transition to contemporary soul. He later cut the original version of "Get Down With It," a hit for the British glam-rockers Slade in the 1970s.
By the mid-1970s, Mr. Marchan was living in Pensacola, Fla., and barnstorming the South again as a female impersonator-bandleader. In 1977, he returned to New Orleans as emcee at Prout's Club Alhambra.
He died on 5th. December 1999 after a long battle with cancer.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
WHEN BISHOPS TALK BOLLOCKS
From ABC NEWS:
A prominent Roman Catholic bishop in Mexico has blamed eroticism on television and internet pornography for child abuse by priests.
"With so much invasion of eroticism, sometimes it's not easy to stay celibate or to respect children," Bishop Felipe Arizmendi, of San Cristobal de las Casas in southern Mexico, said during an annual meeting of Mexican bishops near Mexico City on Thursday.
"If on television and on the internet and in so many media outlets there is pornography, it is very difficult to stay pure and chaste."
On Monday the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said priest paedophilia was linked to homosexuality not celibacy.
"I have recently been told, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia," he told a news conference in Santiago, Chile.
COMMENT: From what I recall, back when I was a teenager, pornography is probably a major help in maintaining celibacy and not the opposite as Bishop Arizmendi suggests. In fact, without the assistance of erotica I have a strong suspicion many teenage virgins would probably self-combust (at least, the male of the species would).
A prominent Roman Catholic bishop in Mexico has blamed eroticism on television and internet pornography for child abuse by priests.
"With so much invasion of eroticism, sometimes it's not easy to stay celibate or to respect children," Bishop Felipe Arizmendi, of San Cristobal de las Casas in southern Mexico, said during an annual meeting of Mexican bishops near Mexico City on Thursday.
"If on television and on the internet and in so many media outlets there is pornography, it is very difficult to stay pure and chaste."
On Monday the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said priest paedophilia was linked to homosexuality not celibacy.
"I have recently been told, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia," he told a news conference in Santiago, Chile.
COMMENT: From what I recall, back when I was a teenager, pornography is probably a major help in maintaining celibacy and not the opposite as Bishop Arizmendi suggests. In fact, without the assistance of erotica I have a strong suspicion many teenage virgins would probably self-combust (at least, the male of the species would).
WHEN LAITY ATTACK
From DISPATCHES ONLINE (South Africa):
Tempers flared at a Mdantsane church yesterday as congregants chased away their minister during a morning service. Up to 100 members of St Andrew’s Parish, an Anglican church in NU13, were protesting against the Reverend Warren Bada for apparently “insulting” congregants and refusing Eucharist to those who could not afford a pledging fee. Yesterday Bada demanded that congregants pay a R70 fee to pledge to the church, regardless of what they thought they could afford.
"(Bada) makes chaos in our church,” said Nceba Baca, who protested outside the church.
Bada also used “unacceptable language” during the Sunday service, church secretary, Nolundi Vangani, claimed. “He was disciplining our youth (for talking during the service) … He said they are ‘from dirty wombs’ and that they are ‘sucking poison from our tits’,” Vangani said.
Another visibly furious congregant told the Dispatch that Bada had chased away congregants when they went to discuss their grievances with him.
The congregants protested outside the church until eventually Bada was forced to flee. Then some of them followed Bada’s car down the road, chanting “Hamba Bada, hamba (Go, Bada, go)”.
Bada refused to comment about yesterday’s events, and referred the Dispatch to the Anglican Church bishop. But Bishop Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Tempers flared at a Mdantsane church yesterday as congregants chased away their minister during a morning service. Up to 100 members of St Andrew’s Parish, an Anglican church in NU13, were protesting against the Reverend Warren Bada for apparently “insulting” congregants and refusing Eucharist to those who could not afford a pledging fee. Yesterday Bada demanded that congregants pay a R70 fee to pledge to the church, regardless of what they thought they could afford.
"(Bada) makes chaos in our church,” said Nceba Baca, who protested outside the church.
Bada also used “unacceptable language” during the Sunday service, church secretary, Nolundi Vangani, claimed. “He was disciplining our youth (for talking during the service) … He said they are ‘from dirty wombs’ and that they are ‘sucking poison from our tits’,” Vangani said.
Another visibly furious congregant told the Dispatch that Bada had chased away congregants when they went to discuss their grievances with him.
The congregants protested outside the church until eventually Bada was forced to flee. Then some of them followed Bada’s car down the road, chanting “Hamba Bada, hamba (Go, Bada, go)”.
Bada refused to comment about yesterday’s events, and referred the Dispatch to the Anglican Church bishop. But Bishop Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
SUNDAY "GO TO CHURCH" SPECIAL
1. On My Way To Heaven
2. Too Close To Heaven
3. The Late Train to Heaven (Rockfield Mix)
THE WATERBOYS WEBSITE
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME BRUCE
The OCICBW... version:
For the CHIN WAG @ OCICBW... version
go to CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...
go to CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...
A SIMPLE FAITH
From THE MIDDLETON PRESS:
With all the pageantry the Episcopal Church can muster, the
Rev. Ian T. Douglas was consecrated Saturday the fifteenth
bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa preached the
sermon. He spoke of how God requires Christians to love
everyone, no matter who they are:
“All the poor, rich, white, black, Hispanics, all, all.
Clever,not so clever, beautiful, not so beautiful …
tea party, Democrat, Republican. This is radical, man.
This is radical.
“Bin Laden, George Bush, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, gay,
lesbian, so-called straight, all, all …”
He charged Douglas, “Please tell the children of God, each
one of them is precious. … Each one of them is a member
of God’s family in which there are no outsiders.”
COMMENT: Some Christian leaders try to live their lives,
and persuade everyone else to live their lives, subject to
every single word written in the Bible plus the tradition
of the Church. They end up living in confusion and confusing
those they endeavour to teach.
Desmond Tutu has spent his Christian life living just one
simple, Christ inspired idea - God loves everyone and it
is the duty of the Christian to do likewise. He learnt the
life redeeming power of this singular truth on the day in
his youth when he met Father Trevor Huddleston for the
first time.
You can see the difference that these two ways of living the
faith brings to those who follow them in the faces of their
adherents. The former type shows the world a frown - the
second type, a smile.
With all the pageantry the Episcopal Church can muster, the
Rev. Ian T. Douglas was consecrated Saturday the fifteenth
bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa preached the
sermon. He spoke of how God requires Christians to love
everyone, no matter who they are:
“All the poor, rich, white, black, Hispanics, all, all.
Clever,not so clever, beautiful, not so beautiful …
tea party, Democrat, Republican. This is radical, man.
This is radical.
“Bin Laden, George Bush, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, gay,
lesbian, so-called straight, all, all …”
He charged Douglas, “Please tell the children of God, each
one of them is precious. … Each one of them is a member
of God’s family in which there are no outsiders.”
COMMENT: Some Christian leaders try to live their lives,
and persuade everyone else to live their lives, subject to
every single word written in the Bible plus the tradition
of the Church. They end up living in confusion and confusing
those they endeavour to teach.
Desmond Tutu has spent his Christian life living just one
simple, Christ inspired idea - God loves everyone and it
is the duty of the Christian to do likewise. He learnt the
life redeeming power of this singular truth on the day in
his youth when he met Father Trevor Huddleston for the
first time.
You can see the difference that these two ways of living the
faith brings to those who follow them in the faces of their
adherents. The former type shows the world a frown - the
second type, a smile.
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