Daily archives: November 3rd, 2009

Sister Donna Quinn Suspends Activism for Abortion Rights

There’s a headline you won’t see often anywhere.

From the Chicago Tribune:

For decades, Sister Donna Quinn has championed the rights of women to use contraception, seek ordination and end unwanted pregnancies.

The Dominican nun has picketed for abortion rights inWashington, petitioned the pope for a female archbishop and escorted women into abortion clinics.

But as the Vatican turns up scrutiny of the nation’s nuns and U.S. Roman Catholic bishops refuse to support universal health care if it covers abortion, Quinn has put her crusade on hold.

"I want to be clear that this is my decision," she said in a statement Tuesday, saying she would suspend her role as a peacekeeper outside the ACU Health Clinic in Hinsdale. "Respect for women’s moral agency is of critical importance to me, and I look forward to continuing to dialogue with our congregation on these matters as a way of informing my actions as well as educating the community."

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin-based Sinsinawa Dominican order announced that Quinn had been reprimanded for escorting patients into a Hinsdale clinic that provides abortions.

"After investigating the allegation, congregation leaders have informed Sister Donna that her actions are in violation of her profession," Sister Patricia Mulcahey, head of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, said in a statement. "They regret that her actions have created controversy."

It’s no surprise that Sr. Donna Quinn has been asked to curtail her activities. What is amazing, in this climate, is the fact that she has been able to keep working in these activities so long.

What should be more alarming for American Catholics is the fact that the Vatican is investigating nuns in the United States. The sisters "regret that [Sr. Donna Quinn’s] actions have created controversy?" Really? Are the sisters aware of the controversy Christ created? Do they not remember that Jesus went out of his way to spend time with sinners? With those who society stepped on?

Did you know that the Vatican is requiring that each order foot the bill for these investigations? Yes, that’s true. Each order must pay for the airfare, room and board for the Inquisitors from Rome. No kidding at all.

The Vatican would do well to get in touch with the spirit of these women who do these good works.

But the fraternity of bishops, radical conservatives all, won’t get that ever.

My prayers are with Sr. Donna Quinn, and with all American nuns under investigation by bishops who have forgotten Christ’s many controversies.


Lesbian Leads Chicago Cubs

From On Top Magazine:

A leading voice of the gay rights movement took the helm of the Chicago Cubs front office last week, gay newssite ChicagoPride.com reported.

Forty-one-year-old Laura Ricketts is a member of the Ricketts family, whose members completed their purchase of the sports landmark earlier in the year. With the purchase, Laura became the first openly gay Major League Baseball owner.

Laura serves on the board of New York-based Lambda Legal, a nationwide group that advocates for gay rights. The group’s lawyers represent LGBT clients, including those seeking the right to marry.

What role Laura will play in the actual day-to-day management of the team remains unknown, but if recent appearances are any indication, she’s likely to become a major voice of the team.

From Chicago Pride:

41-year-old Laura, the only daughter, is openly gay and lives in Chicago. With the Rickett’s purchase of the Cubs, she becomes the first openly gay MLB owner.

Laura is a gay rights advocate and fights for gay marriage. She serves on the board of Lambda Legal, a national organization fighting for gay rights.

41-year-old Laura, the only daughter, is openly gay and lives in Chicago. With the Rickett’s purchase of the Cubs, she becomes the first openly gay MLB owner.

Laura is a gay rights advocate and fights for gay marriage. She serves on the board of Lambda Legal, a national organization fighting for gay rights.

The oldest sibling is 45-year-old Peter who lives in Omaha. He ran for U.S. Senate as a conservative Republican. Peter opposes gay marriage.

All this must make for wonderful Thanksgiving Day conversation at the Ricketts table.

Forgive the attempt at humor.. I’ll try better down the road.

There’s always next year, after all…


Jennifer Clark, Mother of Three, Killed at Party

This is wrong any way you look at it. A young mother of three lost her life Sunday in Chicago.

From the Sun-Times:

Jennifer Clark had three children at a young age but tried hard to improve her prospects, continuing her education after high school and working as a home health-care aide.

Her life ended early Sunday in a hail of bullets at a West Side party. Clark, 24, died of a gunshot wound to the chest when someone fired into a party at Hau’t Sneakers and Gear, 5360 W. Division.

Police said the shooting happened about 1:05 a.m. after a man was asked to leave the event for "rude behavior." Once outside, the man filed several shots through the door, hitting Clark and a 16-year-old girl, said Police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak.

The teenager was wounded on the bottom of her left foot and was in serious condition at West Suburban Medical Center, Oak Park. The Cook County medical examiner’s office said Clark, of the 3200 block of West Crystal, was pronounced dead at 1:41 a.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital.

All because a dude was asked to leave a party.

Dude, you gotta step up. A woman lost her life because your pride was hurt.

And three children lost their mother.

Dude, you gotta step up.