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Re: Story published March 10 called

Pope's brother admits to slapping kids

In the story, a Vatican spokesperson is quoted as saying "the sexual abuse scandals in Germany and other countries were cause for anguish but its response has been prompt and transparent."

I would agree that leaders of the Catholic church have been swift to respond to public allegations and public legal proceedings concerning the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, but the church did much to cover up the abuse and protect the perpetrators.

After the exposure of clergy sexual misconduct in Canada, dioceses have responded by putting policies in place to ensure responsible ministry practices as well as transparent complaint processes.

However, as a member of the New Brunswick chapter of the Catholic Network for Women's Equality (CNWE NB), I believe the Catholic church has failed to address the systemic problems that have contributed to widespread clergy sexual misconduct throughout the world.

This is not simply about the psychology of individual priest perpetrators. CNWE has been working in Canada for over 25 years calling for a transformed Catholic church that includes transparency and accountability in all decision-making.

We also advocate for a fully inclusive church where women and men work together in all aspects of church life, from finances to priesthood, from governance to care for the dying, an open structure where power is shared and where those entrusted with power can be held accountable by the those they serve can go a long way to responding to the current crisis.

That is why the members of CNWE NB will again gather for our annual Purple Stole Vigil at the doors of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John on March 30.

We will stand in silent prayer and solidarity with all who have been victimized by the powerful, especially victims of clergy sexual abuse.

We will stand faithful that justice will come with structural changes that go to the very heart of the problems that face our church today.

Cathy Holtmann

Harvey Station, N.B.

"A government that's big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you've got"

Re: Balance of Power insert

In the Saturday, March 6 edition of The Daily Gleaner, there was an insert called Balance of Power, regarding Hydro-Quebec and NB Power.

I carefully read the complete insert. Although it is not totally inclusive, it is correct enough to point out some financial problems that are mind-boggling.

I worked in La Belle Province and found integrity and morality not high on their agenda.

The article pointed to the lack of moral fibre of both major political parties of New Brunswick. Why the two parties would not have recognized the potential financial land mines that were going to be facing New Brunswickers is beyond belief.

Premiers McKenna and Lord must have recognized this problem. They actually moved the checkers around on the board. But moving the checkers does not always end with a win.

Along comes Premier Graham - smart, young, ambitious - and what does he do? He finds the train is out of control, takes on the job of solving the problem all by himself and he makes a deal with Quebec behind the backs of New Brunswickers.

Oh ho, not so, say New Brunswickers.

Has Premier Graham not been open and honest on this file? Maybe not. Is his goose cooked? Time will tell if he has been open and honest with New Brunswickers.

He has been saying 'that's true, but not absolutely true.' It is a political spin statement.

Premier Graham should proceed with care. His record is not something to be proud of. In relative minor announcements he has had to backtrack and it's noticed by voters.

Lawrence W. Reed, Public Policy USA, said "Government has nothing to give anybody except what it first takes from somebody, and a government that's big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you've got."

Ernest MacFadzen

Fredericton