Column on Catholic beliefs, religious leaders was out of line and offensive

Letters to the editor
Published: April 24, 2008

Column on Catholic beliefs, religious leaders was out of line and offensive

This letter is in response to Bob Mount’s column in Tuesday’s paper. Not only do I have a differing opinion about priests and celibacy but also find offensive some of the ideas put forward in this column.
One issue I would take is the presumption that as Mount defined “… the problems of sex abuse by Catholic priests …” are greater than the problems of sexual abuse by other religious leaders.
No study or data that I have seen supports this. While there has been sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and in no way am I condoning that the problem of religious leaders sexually abusing followers is a problem for all religions.

The difference with Catholicism is a willingness by the Church as a whole to be financially responsible, while other religions allow a local church to be bankrupt by situations like this but take no greater responsibility.

In turn, this willingness by the Catholic Church to take responsibility has led to a cottage industry that is driven by a desire to take in millions of dollars in litigation fees, and this industry has a vested financial interest in perpetuating myths such as those put in Mount’s column.

A reason I find the column offensive is that I have known many Catholic priests in my life, and their celibacy is a part of their commitment to a life of service to others. They have been some of the most reasoned and thoughtful community leaders I have seen and have helped people from all walks of life.

They are not cauldrons of sexual turmoil as implied by this column. Furthermore, while I am not as eager to cast aspersions as Mount, I cannot but wonder about his statement “I don’t invite female readers to respond because they can’t possibly imagine how the surge of testosterone affects a male when he attains puberty.”

Where would his logic take us? Women cannot understand men’s sex drive? Men cannot be expected to exert self-control after puberty?

Can we look forward to a column from Mount advocating that rape no longer be considered a crime? Mount’s column encourages readers to look suspiciously at priests, a group of people who have dedicated their lives to doing good, and in addition, it demeans all men and women.

I ask that the Opelika-Auburn News no longer run columns written by Mount, but also extend an open invitation to Mount to attend Mass with me.

Bret Peterson
Auburn

Third Annual Mayors’ Ball serves as testament to local leaders’ character

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” To the extent that you believe Mayors Bill Ham and Gary Fuller indeed have power, Saturday night’s Third Annual Mayors Ball was a public testament to their character, one for which we are both personally and professionally grateful.
More than $21,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County thanks to the continued support and generosity of these two men. In a community where there are endless demands on their time and talent, they are never without either for this deserving organization.

The Mayors’ Ball is not about politics. It is not about business. It is not about one city’s accomplishments over the over, as is so often the unfortunate case in this great county we call home.

The Mayors’ Ball is about community, and the participation and involvement of Bill Ham and Gary Fuller illustrate that they are also about community, our shared humanity, our common joys, our simple successes. In a time where there is far too much uncertainty and fear in the world, over 200 members of our generous community enjoyed an evening of celebration, friendship, and dedication to those among us who are in need.

Without them, and without the leadership of these two gentlemen and the power of their character, this evening would not have happened. We thank you.

Robyn Bridges and Ron Anders
Board Vice-Chairpersons
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County