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Analysis and commentary on issues that concern the work of FaithTrust Institute.
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A Celebration and an Update
Aug 20, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual ViolenceThis month, there was a celebration in Malicounda Bambara, Senegal, of the 10th anniversary of the village’s public declaration to abandon female genital cutting (FGC).
A Measure of Justice for Survivors in Australia
Aug 03, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse by ClergyIn Queensland, Australia, the government has formally made restitution to individuals and families who suffered abuse as children in government- and church-sponsored institutions. It only took ten years.
Where Are These Men? Part 2
Jul 19, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceThe Fathers’ Day Poll released by the Family Violence Prevention Fund that I discussed in last week’s blog suggests that the majority of men are aware and concerned about sexual and domestic violence.
What About the Men?
Jul 05, 2007 — Categories: Domestic ViolenceFinally, maybe some good news: there are men who care about sexual and domestic violence.
Forgiveness = “It’s Okay; Go Ahead and Rob Me”
Jun 19, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse by ClergyA group of teenagers, when apprehended for home burglaries, were asked why they selected these particular homes. They replied, “Because we knew that Christians lived there and that they would forgive us and not prosecute.” What is wrong with this picture?
“We Have to Talk about the War. Everyday.”
Jun 08, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsThe news from Iraq is everyday the same. Suicide bombers, “insurgents,” “terrorists,” Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, casualties and millions of dollars. The “normalcy” of it all deadens our sensibilities. A tragic, failed policy playing itself out with only more tragedy and bloodshed ahead and no end in sight. Yet last week’s story in our local paper stopped me for a moment.
“Don’t Forgive Us So Quickly!” Part 2
May 31, 2007 — Categories: Sexual ViolenceTwenty-seven incest offenders gave me this advice when I met with them during a session of their court-mandated treatment program. They were mostly Christians and they kept wanting to talk about their faith, so their therapist called me in.
No Sex Offenders in Church? Part I
May 18, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence“I’m a convicted sex offender and I would like to attend this church." At FaithTrust Institute, we are receiving weekly inquiries about this situation from anxious clergy and congregations. Some congregations are turning away offenders. This initial reaction may be understandable, but let’s be clear: The identified, self-acknowledged sex offender is the least of a congregation’s worries.
Some Christian Leaders Oppose Condemning Hate Crimes
May 05, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsThis is one of those headlines I never thought I’d see. The Hate Crimes Bill just approved by the House of Representatives adds gender, sexual orientation, and disability to race, religion, and
Don Imus' Privilege: Violence Against Women of Color
Apr 09, 2007 — Categories: Current EventsViolence against women takes many forms. Radio personality Don Imus made his contribution last week when he referred to the mostly African American Rutgers University basketball team as “nappy headed hos.”
Custom of Female Genital Cutting Is No More
Apr 05, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Child AbuseThe 2,000-year-old, nearly universal practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in Guinea, West Africa, has been abandoned by the village of Lalya and 149 other connected villages. No longer will young girls have their clitorises removed nor will they be forced into early marriage.
Do Any Sacred Texts Excuse Wifebeating?
Mar 27, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceIn only the most recent report of Western “cultural sensitivity,” a judge in Germany cited the Quran as she turned down a battered Muslim woman’s request for a speedy divorce from her abuser.
Do We Know Domestic Violence When We See It?
Mar 15, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Domestic ViolenceSadly, last week was a busy week for nationally publicized domestic violence fatalities. Sensational headlines informed us about a plane intentionally crashed into a house and another school shooting. But did we really understand that these deaths were domestic violence?
Pope’s Preacher Urges Repentance for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Mar 06, 2007 — Categories: Current Events, Sexual Abuse by ClergyThe Pope has his own preacher, Reverend Raniero Cantalamessa, who, in a recent sermon, underscored the “abomination” of the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests and urged a day of fasting and penance for the Church. The Pope was listening but the Vatican had no comment after the service.
Another Party Heard from . . . Rev. Marie M. Fortune Has Things to Say
Feb 22, 2007 — Categories: Sexual Violence, Domestic ViolenceAfter 30 years, how about a blog? When I began my work in 1977, I didn't even have access to a copier. I wrote my first book on a typewriter. Remember those?