From the editor's desk

Catholic New Times, Oct 24, 2004 by Ted Schmidt

Innocent blood continues to flow unabated in Israel. The latest shocking incursions of the Sharon government into Gaza, all supported by the Bust government, will undoubtedly be matched in smaller doses by appalling suicide bombers. It is often difficult to see a way out of this morass.

What helps keep hope alive is the presence of so many principled Israelis whose voices have graced these pages, men and women like Gila Svirsky, Rabbi Arik Ascherman, the human rights group B'tselem and Jeff Halper. In this issue, Kevin Spurgaitis completes his portrait of Dr. Uri Davis (p.8).

Our next issue will feature an interview with the founder of Sabeel, the Palestinian Anglican apostle of non-violence. Ft. Naim Ateek

Haiti continues to be buffeted by both human and natural disasters. In this issue, we print two snapshots of that troubled country. St. Lorraine Malo's letter to her St. Joseph Sisters highlights the remarkable faith and resilience of the Haitian people, while Laura Flanders lacerates the Bush administration for their meagre contribution to Haitian relief.

Billions for oil in Iraq, millions to overturn a legally elected government and nickels and dimes for Haitian blood. See pages 13 and 7.

The sad implosion of St. Martin of Tours parish in Mississauga (p.6) continues to raise major questions of church governance, accountability and transparency. Lay people who comprise 99 per cent of church membership have little power. Now. in 2004, a radical reconfiguration needs to take place among two unequal classes. Too many talented people like Dawn Bazety (page 2) are simply walking away.

Jack Shed's article on Models of Priesthood (p.10, 11) is a fine overview of divergent ecclesiologies at work today.

One of our great anti-war prophets, John Dear, SJ is coming through Ontario, the week of November 7. Contact earthtotrevor@hotmail.com for details.

Many thanks to those who recently renewed their CNT subscription. Your support is much appreciated,

Ted Schmidt

editor@catholicnewtimes.org