From the editor's desk

Catholic New Times, Oct 10, 2004 by Ted Schmidt

Fr. Dan Donovan's appreciation of the centenary of Karl Rahner's birth (page 3) will, we hope, help church people recall the latter's tremendous contribution to modern theology. Rahner, a model of critical fidelity is decidedly out-of-fashion in Rome today. But just as Vatican II giants De Lubac and Congar were rehabilitated under Paul VI for their great theological contributions, so inevitably will Rahner. The theologian who once termed this era "the ice age" in the Catholic church, smiles down on us with revolutionary patience.

Matthew Behrens' article 'Getting Canada off the torture train' (page 5) is a worthy contribution to the ongoing conversation on Canada's foreign policy. One gets the sinking feeling that Canada in the 9/11 aftermath is quickly losing its sovereignty. Watching Minister of Defence Bill Graham twist himself in knots around our participation in the American weaponization of space is bad enough. We watch with bated breath the outcome of the Arar case.

Mary Ann Gervais article on the evolution of Voice of the Faithful" (page. 13) is a follow-up to our story of the difficulties of St. Martin of Tours parish in our last issue. The Canadian Catholic church remains woefully behind the American church in its democratization, and pales in comparison to other denominations.

Our series "How nay thinking has changed" will continue and if you would like to submit a 700-word article, feel free. We have asked a number of thoughtful people to submit but we are always open to more voices.

With this issue, we bid longtime columnist (and now federal NDP member from Timmins-James Bay) Charlie Angus adieu for the time being. Our policy is to stay clear of electoral partisanship while attempting to discern and pursue the politics of the reign of God

Lastly, CNT always needs volunteers to help in several capacities. Please give me a call or email 416-361-0761