Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Sections
Blog Section Banner
 
You are here: Home >> Blog

Blog

Analysis and commentary on issues that concern the work of FaithTrust Institute.

Click here to subscribe to the Blog.

A Celebration and an Update

A Celebration and an Update

— Categories: , ,

This 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).

Read More…

A Measure of Justice for Survivors in Australia

A Measure of Justice for Survivors in Australia

— Categories: , ,

In 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.

Read More…

Where Are These Men? Part 2

Where Are These Men? Part 2

— Categories: , ,

The 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.

Read More…

What About the Men?

What About the Men?

— Categories:

Finally, maybe some good news: there are men who care about sexual and domestic violence.

Read More…

 Forgiveness = “It’s Okay; Go Ahead and Rob Me”

Forgiveness = “It’s Okay; Go Ahead and Rob Me”

— Categories: , ,

A 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?

Read More…

“We Have to Talk about the War. Everyday.”

“We Have to Talk about the War. Everyday.”

— Categories:

The 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.

Read More…

“Don’t Forgive Us So Quickly!” Part 2

“Don’t Forgive Us So Quickly!” Part 2

— Categories:

Twenty-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.

Read More…

No Sex Offenders in Church? Part I

No Sex Offenders in Church? Part I

— Categories:

“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.

Read More…

Some Christian Leaders Oppose Condemning Hate Crimes

Some Christian Leaders Oppose Condemning Hate Crimes

— Categories:

This 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

Read More…

Don Imus' Privilege: Violence Against Women of Color

Don Imus' Privilege: Violence Against Women of Color

— Categories:

Violence 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.”

Read More…

Custom of Female Genital Cutting Is No More

Custom of Female Genital Cutting Is No More

— Categories: ,

The 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.

Read More…

Do Any Sacred Texts Excuse Wifebeating?

Do Any Sacred Texts Excuse Wifebeating?

— Categories: ,

In 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.

Read More…

Do We Know Domestic Violence When We See It?

Do We Know Domestic Violence When We See It?

— Categories: ,

Sadly, 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?

Read More…

Pope’s Preacher Urges Repentance for Clergy Sexual Abuse

Pope’s Preacher Urges Repentance for Clergy Sexual Abuse

— Categories: ,

The 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.

Read More…

Another Party Heard from . . . Rev. Marie M. Fortune Has Things to Say

Another Party Heard from . . . Rev. Marie M. Fortune Has Things to Say

— Categories: ,

After 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?

Read More…

Document Actions