There is no "Christian" Torture
Fr. Steve Patti
published in the Herald-Sun
There is a new book called “Courting Disaster: How the C.I.A. Kept America Safe and How Barack Obama is Inviting the Next Attack,” by Marc A. Thiessen. In the book, the author makes the claim that waterboarding, a form of torture that we have become familiar with over the past few years, is not only useful and desirable, but also permitted by the teachings of the Catholic Church. Mr. Thiessen describes himself as a practicing Roman Catholic.
Mr. Thiessen draws on the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that “the defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to do harm.” In his book he writes: “If this principle applies to taking human life, it must certainly apply to coercive interrogation as well. A captured terrorist is an unjust aggressor who retains the power to kill many thousands by withholding information about planned attacks.” In a recent homily at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church here in Durham, I asked the question: As Catholics, how do we respond to Marc Thiessen’s claim? As Catholics, can we ever justify torture?
It’s a sensitive issue for sure. Almost nine years after September 11, 2001, that day haunts us still. We will never forget the images from that day. I remember a cartoon that appeared in the newspaper a week or so after the attacks. It showed a person looking at a computer screen, right hand on the mouse, ready to click, and on the screen were two words – “freedom” and “security.” Which do you choose? We still wrestle with that question today.
It’s a sensitive issue as well because some of our brothers and sisters or sons and daughters or friends or neighbors have served, and continue to serve, bravely in our armed services.
When torture came up during the war in Iraq, you sometimes heard people say “you have to do what you have to do in times of war.” Or “sometimes what Jesus says in the gospel doesn’t work in the real world. We have to be realistic.”
Whatever we might think about torture or “coercive interrogation,” the teaching of the Catholic Church is that torture is wrong. “The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World,” a document from the Second Vatican Council, refers to the words of Jesus from the gospel of Matthew, “As you did to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” The document then powerfully lists what it calls “varieties of crimes” against these brothers and sisters. These include: “all offenses against life itself, such as murder, genocide, abortion, and euthanasia; all violations of the integrity of the human person, such as physical and mental torture, undue psychological pressures; all offenses against human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, the selling of women and children, degrading working conditions where people are treated as mere tools for profit rather than free and responsible persons: all these and the like are criminal: they poison civilization; and they debase the perpetrators more than the victims and militate against the honor of the creator.”
This is strong language. Torture “debases the perpetrators.” In a survey taken in 2005, it was revealed that 74% of Catholics agreed that torture can be justified in at least rare occasions. In my homily, I asked the question, what happens to us (Catholics, or Americans) when we unreflectively accept a policy of torture from our government? I asked the question conscious, and respectful, of the brave military service of our troops. I asked the question, as well, very aware of the evil that was committed against our nation by the terrorists on September 11, 2001. Still, these words from the Second Vatican Council haunt us: are we, in some way, “debased” by our acceptance, or justification, of torture?
As a Franciscan friar, I am drawn to the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived 800 years ago in the times of the Crusades. The East was at war with the West. Christians were fighting Muslims. Thousands were dying. St. Francis, drawing from his own experience of the gospel and its call to peace and reconciliation, sailed from Italy across the Mediterranean Sea to Egypt, marched through the Christian/Muslim battle lines, and asked to meet with the Sultan, the head of the Muslims. The soldiers, perhaps surprised by such a bold gesture on the part of this small, dressed-in-rags man, allowed him through. And as the story is told, Francis and the Sultan spoke, respectfully, of each other’s faith, and their own hopes for peace.
Was Francis naïve? Was he a fool for trying something so bold, so risky? Maybe he was. But he took the gospel and its call to radically re-think one’s life, its call to every person to be a bearer of peace and reconciliation, very seriously. As a nation that refers to itself as Christian, can we do the same?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
The First Sunday in Lent
Somewhere I read that we reach our peak in our early 30s. After that, life goes downhill. And yet, the other day a 90 year old parishioner I’d stop to chat with excused herself saying she had to get to the Y and the pool! I don’t know what “peak “ is, but I do know that age is no barrier to self-improvement. With that in mind, a suggestion for Lent.
Most of us dread Lent. We’ve been conditioned to “give up” something for 6 weeks and we angst about what that something should be. Then we get the “guilts” when we cop a smoke, eat a chocolate, or have a beer.
This Lent, forget about “giving up.” Instead, add something to your life.
Start off by imagining people who know you talking about you. You’re not there. What do you hope they are saying about you?
Then take a brief inventory of who you are – not your job or whether you’re a mom or dad, husband or wife, son or daughter, neighbor or co-worker. Instead, who you are as a person in these relationships: generous, trusting, available, courteous, honest, good-humored. Then think about which of these characteristics could use some attention. “I could be more courageous and stop lying.” “I could call my brothers and sisters more often.” “I could take myself less seriously.” “I could take myself more seriously and trust my values and convictions.” Whatever.
Now think about what you could do in the next 6 weeks to make better the good you are already are? What could you do to better to appreciate the person God loves no matter what? To make better the person already worth the Cross?
And instead of “giving up,” spend these 6 weeks “growing up” into the person God knows and loves by name, the person God has given to the rest of us so that we’ll have a real-life, flesh-and-blood experience of God’s love for us.
Come Easter, we all dress up. During Lent we make sure that we’ll look as good on the inside as we do on the outside.
Finally … the church has 2 sacraments of healing: Penance/Reconciliation (“Confession”) and Sacrament of the Sick (some still incorrectly call it “Extreme Unction”). Both aim to put back together what’s fallen apart in our lives with God and others. Penance, what’s fallen apart in the ups and downs of everyday life; Sacrament of the Sick, what’s fallen apart because of age or illness. We celebrate Penance/Reconciliation each Saturday from 9AM-10AM and on Tuesday, March 16 at 7PM. The Sacrament of the Sick is available anytime – simply call on one of the friars. The Sacrament of the Sick should always be requested when you are looking at some hospital time. It can be celebrated in your home, the hospital, a care facility, during daily Mass or after a Sunday Mass.
Somewhere I read that we reach our peak in our early 30s. After that, life goes downhill. And yet, the other day a 90 year old parishioner I’d stop to chat with excused herself saying she had to get to the Y and the pool! I don’t know what “peak “ is, but I do know that age is no barrier to self-improvement. With that in mind, a suggestion for Lent.
Most of us dread Lent. We’ve been conditioned to “give up” something for 6 weeks and we angst about what that something should be. Then we get the “guilts” when we cop a smoke, eat a chocolate, or have a beer.
This Lent, forget about “giving up.” Instead, add something to your life.
Start off by imagining people who know you talking about you. You’re not there. What do you hope they are saying about you?
Then take a brief inventory of who you are – not your job or whether you’re a mom or dad, husband or wife, son or daughter, neighbor or co-worker. Instead, who you are as a person in these relationships: generous, trusting, available, courteous, honest, good-humored. Then think about which of these characteristics could use some attention. “I could be more courageous and stop lying.” “I could call my brothers and sisters more often.” “I could take myself less seriously.” “I could take myself more seriously and trust my values and convictions.” Whatever.
Now think about what you could do in the next 6 weeks to make better the good you are already are? What could you do to better to appreciate the person God loves no matter what? To make better the person already worth the Cross?
And instead of “giving up,” spend these 6 weeks “growing up” into the person God knows and loves by name, the person God has given to the rest of us so that we’ll have a real-life, flesh-and-blood experience of God’s love for us.
Come Easter, we all dress up. During Lent we make sure that we’ll look as good on the inside as we do on the outside.
Finally … the church has 2 sacraments of healing: Penance/Reconciliation (“Confession”) and Sacrament of the Sick (some still incorrectly call it “Extreme Unction”). Both aim to put back together what’s fallen apart in our lives with God and others. Penance, what’s fallen apart in the ups and downs of everyday life; Sacrament of the Sick, what’s fallen apart because of age or illness. We celebrate Penance/Reconciliation each Saturday from 9AM-10AM and on Tuesday, March 16 at 7PM. The Sacrament of the Sick is available anytime – simply call on one of the friars. The Sacrament of the Sick should always be requested when you are looking at some hospital time. It can be celebrated in your home, the hospital, a care facility, during daily Mass or after a Sunday Mass.
Strategic Planning
A parishioner suggested that it would help comment and discussion re: the proposed goals of our parish plan if the goals were posted separately. Hence the postings below.
We got a great response from our "pulpit" appeal for folks with expertise in the various aspects of communication. The group met on Feb 3 for an orientations discusssion and will convene again on Feb 24 to begin laying the "platform" upon which to build or improve our various channels of communication.
We also had two "listening" sessions for input on the Seniors goal. We had small numbers but gathered some good information.
Currently, the staff is developing "objectives" aimed at meeting the goals. These will be reviewed by Mar 4. Then we'll create separate "action plans" for executing the objectives.
Your continued comment will help shape this work.
A parishioner suggested that it would help comment and discussion re: the proposed goals of our parish plan if the goals were posted separately. Hence the postings below.
We got a great response from our "pulpit" appeal for folks with expertise in the various aspects of communication. The group met on Feb 3 for an orientations discusssion and will convene again on Feb 24 to begin laying the "platform" upon which to build or improve our various channels of communication.
We also had two "listening" sessions for input on the Seniors goal. We had small numbers but gathered some good information.
Currently, the staff is developing "objectives" aimed at meeting the goals. These will be reviewed by Mar 4. Then we'll create separate "action plans" for executing the objectives.
Your continued comment will help shape this work.
Young Adults
Goal: The Parish will nurture and build support for young adults, in both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, by providing theological and spiritual formation, leadership development and service opportunities to assure they are welcomed and encouraged as they come together to connect socially and explore living out their Catholic faith together.
Goal: The Parish will nurture and build support for young adults, in both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, by providing theological and spiritual formation, leadership development and service opportunities to assure they are welcomed and encouraged as they come together to connect socially and explore living out their Catholic faith together.
Accessibility
Goal: The Immaculate Conception leadership team will be characterized by an understanding of, and a willingness to meet, the needs of parishioners, as well as having a dedication to providing timely assistance to those wishing to access information and services available within the parish and the community at large.
Goal: The Immaculate Conception leadership team will be characterized by an understanding of, and a willingness to meet, the needs of parishioners, as well as having a dedication to providing timely assistance to those wishing to access information and services available within the parish and the community at large.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Senior Concerns
“Senior concerns” surfaced in our Parish Survey and Assembly as deserving more of our attention. These concerns run the gamut of issues “seniors” have for themselves and issues facing adult children as they care for their parents. Two “listening sessions” have been scheduled to name specific issues and to get a better understanding of these issues. The first is for “seniors” themselves at 12:45PM on Wednesday, February 10. The second is for seniors and others (e.g., adult children, care-givers) on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:15PM. Cristina Hendrix, a parishioner and a Nurse Researcher/Practitioner at Durham VA’s Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), and a Senior Fellow at Duke’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development will facilitate our discussion. Please spread the word!
“Senior concerns” surfaced in our Parish Survey and Assembly as deserving more of our attention. These concerns run the gamut of issues “seniors” have for themselves and issues facing adult children as they care for their parents. Two “listening sessions” have been scheduled to name specific issues and to get a better understanding of these issues. The first is for “seniors” themselves at 12:45PM on Wednesday, February 10. The second is for seniors and others (e.g., adult children, care-givers) on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:15PM. Cristina Hendrix, a parishioner and a Nurse Researcher/Practitioner at Durham VA’s Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), and a Senior Fellow at Duke’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development will facilitate our discussion. Please spread the word!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Immaculate Conception Parish
Strategic Plan Goals
VISION
From our worship to our world in the spirit of St. Francis, Immaculate Conception will be a grateful and giving parish making a difference in the lives of others.
STRATEGIC THEMES
• Communicating thoroughly
• Establishing a united parish
• Providing opportunities to serve
• Building community
GOALS
The Sunday Mass Experience
Goal: Immaculate Conception will plan and celebrate Sunday mass as the source and summit of our lives through the full, active, and conscious participation of our people.
Accessibility
Goal: The Immaculate Conception leadership team will be characterized by an understanding of, and a willingness to meet, the needs of parishioners, as well as having a dedication to providing timely assistance to those wishing to access information and services available within the parish and the community at large.
Inclusion
Goal: Immaculate Conception will be a parish where all are invited, welcomed and affirmed, and where diversity is celebrated and a sense of intimacy is cultivated.
Social Justice
Goal: Our parish community will develop and implement a comprehensive and sustained education effort to form laity for living the Church’s social teaching.
Communications
Goal: Immaculate Conception Parish will establish and maintain a progressive, multifaceted and coordinated communications program designed to build community; promote parish unity; and provide timely information on planning, parish activities, and opportunities to serve.
Adult Faith Enrichment
Goal: Immaculate Conception will survey leading adult formation programs to identify best practices, and then implement exceptional and appealing adult faith enrichment opportunities in the Parish.
Stewardship
Goal: Our Parish will seek to deepen its understanding of stewardship as a way of life by promoting a grateful and engaged community of parishioners generously giving of their time, talent and treasure.
Senior Citizens
Goal: We will develop and implement a strategy that is founded on listening to, and providing care for, the senior citizens of our community to assure they are fully vested in, and contributing to, the life of the parish.
Young Adults
Goal: The Parish will nurture and build support for young adults, in both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, by providing theological and spiritual formation, leadership development and service opportunities to assure they are welcomed and encouraged as they come together to connect socially and explore living out their Catholic faith together.
Grieving
Goal: Our community will expand the present bereavement program into a more comprehensive ministry to broadly serve the related pastoral needs of our parishioners who grieve the loss of a loved ones.
Facilities
Goal: Immaculate Conception, by year end 2011, will have organized for, and begun the process of, developing a facilities use and building plan designed to accommodate the growth of faith formation activity and our office/meeting space requirements.
Strategic Plan Goals
VISION
From our worship to our world in the spirit of St. Francis, Immaculate Conception will be a grateful and giving parish making a difference in the lives of others.
STRATEGIC THEMES
• Communicating thoroughly
• Establishing a united parish
• Providing opportunities to serve
• Building community
GOALS
The Sunday Mass Experience
Goal: Immaculate Conception will plan and celebrate Sunday mass as the source and summit of our lives through the full, active, and conscious participation of our people.
Accessibility
Goal: The Immaculate Conception leadership team will be characterized by an understanding of, and a willingness to meet, the needs of parishioners, as well as having a dedication to providing timely assistance to those wishing to access information and services available within the parish and the community at large.
Inclusion
Goal: Immaculate Conception will be a parish where all are invited, welcomed and affirmed, and where diversity is celebrated and a sense of intimacy is cultivated.
Social Justice
Goal: Our parish community will develop and implement a comprehensive and sustained education effort to form laity for living the Church’s social teaching.
Communications
Goal: Immaculate Conception Parish will establish and maintain a progressive, multifaceted and coordinated communications program designed to build community; promote parish unity; and provide timely information on planning, parish activities, and opportunities to serve.
Adult Faith Enrichment
Goal: Immaculate Conception will survey leading adult formation programs to identify best practices, and then implement exceptional and appealing adult faith enrichment opportunities in the Parish.
Stewardship
Goal: Our Parish will seek to deepen its understanding of stewardship as a way of life by promoting a grateful and engaged community of parishioners generously giving of their time, talent and treasure.
Senior Citizens
Goal: We will develop and implement a strategy that is founded on listening to, and providing care for, the senior citizens of our community to assure they are fully vested in, and contributing to, the life of the parish.
Young Adults
Goal: The Parish will nurture and build support for young adults, in both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, by providing theological and spiritual formation, leadership development and service opportunities to assure they are welcomed and encouraged as they come together to connect socially and explore living out their Catholic faith together.
Grieving
Goal: Our community will expand the present bereavement program into a more comprehensive ministry to broadly serve the related pastoral needs of our parishioners who grieve the loss of a loved ones.
Facilities
Goal: Immaculate Conception, by year end 2011, will have organized for, and begun the process of, developing a facilities use and building plan designed to accommodate the growth of faith formation activity and our office/meeting space requirements.
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