Bob, yes, you are right about mother theresa, she had her own political machine going on, and the powerful loved to coopt her as a convenient saint. she fed the poor, but did not ask why they were poor; therefore she was made a saint, not a communist.

again, i agree, they are desperate to change the spotlight from the pedaphile scandal, and if this reaction is not stopped more people will be victimized.

all i'm asking is that people don't polarize ALL catholics into one group and demonize them. The above clergy has come out in support, probably because some of 'us' are victims of this hatred too.

I apologise if i came across as lecturing. I also read the letter as being more open to LGBT&Q.

My concern is beyond LGBT&Q and women's equality. it includes many things, including poverty.

it is an interesting thing about the church and politics, separation of church and state. in many ways the state would have us put borders on our ethics. what is politics and what is morality. do we not work for social justice because it is political? I agree that the churches should not have elected representatives in government. honestly i really don't like the hierarchy of the catholic church. but like living in the States, i and others feel we can do more good by staying and trying to improve it.