The spring speakers’ series of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests (APP) continues with Greer Gordon, Ph.D., a theologian, author, and lecturer known for her teaching, publications, and work in the fields of evangelization and catechesis. Among her publications is A Profound Understanding of the Feminine Person and the Plan of Salvation. Dr. Gordon is one of eight women invited by the Vatican to respond to John Paul’s Encyclical on Women and is the author of the prayer journal Give Us This Day.

Gordon will speak on the topic: “Truth in the Heart: The Church, Entitlement, and Sexual Crimes” on Sunday, April 14 at 2 PM at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., in Allison Park.

Rape, molestation, seduction, sexual exploitation, and sexual harassment have all become exposed in the Church. The perpetrators and their silent accomplices who hid such acts are slowly being identified for their sinfulness. For the clergy to be as they claim to be, Christ in the midst of the world, then they must identify and reject the spirit of entitlement that has allowed priests and bishops to set themselves above the standards of Christian moral-ethical living. The Church must be bold in the analysis of facts, uncompromising in defense of truth, and unrelenting in eliminating clerical entitlements. Dr. Gordon will present an analysis of what has happened and offer concrete suggestions as to how the Church may proceed in returning to a people who cherish God’s love for “truth in the heart.” Please join the APP for a prayerful exploration of the crisis in our Church.

A final Listening and Sharing Event will be held on Tues., April 30 at 7 PM. The clergy sexual abuse of minors, the cover up by our bishops, and the up to now inadequate response of the Vatican is perhaps the greatest scandal in the history of the American Catholic Church. After a brief report on initial efforts being made to respond locally, participants will share feelings, thoughts and recommendations. Opportunities for involvement will follow.

The fee for the upcoming talk is $20 each. For the April 30 event, there is no charge. Participants can register at the door the day of the talks. For more information and questions, contact Fr. John Oesterle at 412-232-7512 or johnoesterle2@gmail.com

You are also invited to visit : http://www.associationofpittsburghpriests.com

Pre-registrations can be sent to:
The Association of Pittsburgh Priests P.O. Box 2106 Pittsburgh, PA 15230

The Association of Pittsburgh Priests is a diocesan-wide organization of ordained and non-ordained women and men who act on our baptismal call to be priests and prophets. Its mission, rooted in the Gospel and the Spirit of Vatican II, is to carry out a ministry of justice and renewal in ourselves, the Church and the world.

by Joyce Rothermel, a board member of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests.