Tom Johnson’s legacy

During these extraordinarily difficult times, as we face challenging and needed societal reforms, it is important to pause and remind ourselves of the constructive changes that can result from the efforts of just one person: Tom Johnson, who passed away last month, was one such person. Tom was an everyday hero. His service as Hennepin County Attorney in the 1980s was marked by innovation and community outreach. He was a driving force in establishing “ahead-of-its-time” organizations like Cornerhouse, which helps child victims of abuse, and the Council of Crime and Justice, which examines systematic bias and promotes reform. His efforts — often in the face of substantial opposition — led to positive and lasting societal changes. Recently, he stepped forward as ombudsperson for the archdiocese to help advocate for victims of clergy sexual abuse — a fitting final chapter to a career and lifetime of unselfish service to others. Tom undertook these efforts to forge institutional change passionately yet calmly, and with a sense of respectful humility. We should all be so fortunate as to leave a legacy that we made our society a better and a more just place for future generations. As the blessing goes, “Until we meet again, Tom, may God hold you safely in the palm of his hand.”

Tim O’Malley
Director of Ministerial Standards at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Work, not fight

The image “Mama … I’m through!” on the back page of the June 11, 2020, The Catholic Spirit, is very touching and thought provoking. However, if we want “a path of reconciliation and peace,” I believe it would have been better if Leah Darrow would have chosen a different word in her statement: “fight” for justice, to “fight “for peace, to “fight” for unity together. Yes, we all should “work” for these things.

Rich McCabe
St. Michael, Farmington

Poor pick

We typically enjoy The Catholic Spirit and most of the articles, however, the interview with Jim Mengel seemed very inappropriate. (“1960s peace activist reflects on George Floyd’s death and its aftermath,” June 25). To suggest that a former priest that was excommunicated should be recognized “as a real prophet” is completely misleading. While connecting the current protests with those of the 1960s is newsworthy, the subjects for this article were poorly chosen.

Josh and Jackie Barten
St. Bridget of Sweden, Lindstrom

Confront racism

In “A place for rage?” (Commentary, June 25) Liz Kelly reflected on the “protests, violence, looting and upheaval” of the last month. She mentioned injustice. Nowhere did she mention the murder of George Floyd. She called the Church “a people so concerned with combating the evils of the world.” But are we? One of the archdiocese’s most talented writers and speakers chose not to write of the evil facing us at this moment — racism. She wrote about anything but. The article was a deflection from the issue at hand. If we truly seek “to create more space for holiness and healing, greater reverence for others, their very lives and livelihoods,” why can’t we say Mr. Floyd’s name? Why is it easier to write about and imagine Jesus praying in front of abortion clinics than embracing and loving black Americans right now? Why the refusal to face the evil that confronts us today?

John Rogers
St. Joseph, West St. Paul

Invitation for reflection

Thank you, Catholic Spirit writers and editors, for the excellent June 25 issue inviting us to reflect on what has happened since the death of George Floyd. The Hill family generously opened up about the ways racism has impacted their lives. Fr. Gerald Stookey reminded us of the necessity of working for justice and the article on the Catholic Community Foundation’s “Neighbors in Need” fund gave us a way to help with restoration. I was inspired by Wayne Bugg’s determination to reopen the (St.) Vincent DePaul thrift store to serve the needs of the people in his neighborhood. The article on the Georgetown Law School forum on police reform was timely, and Jim Mengel and Liz Kelly offered thoughtful commentary on protest and violence as responses to injustice. Finally, Bishop Cozzens encouraged us to be open to the healing power of the Eucharist so we can be a part of God’s healing love for the world.

Mary Higgins
St. Wenceslaus, New Prague

Reconsidering ‘essential services’

I am writing in response to Ronald and Patricia Eldred’s letter which appeared in the June 11 edition of The Catholic Spirit. Please don’t hold Gov. Walz in such high esteem and harshly criticize Archbishop Hebda about safely reopening our churches before you consider the following fact. The CDC during this COVID-19 pandemic recommended that “all non-essential or elective surgeries and procedures that utilize PPE or ventilators must be postponed indefinitely.” Yet Gov. Walz has completely ignored the CDC’s recommendations with regard to the abortion industry. Apparently ending the lives of unborn babies is essential in Gov. Walz’s eyes.

Mary Stolz
St. Peter, Forest Lake

Religious freedom at stake

This letter is in agreement with Archbishop Hebda and the other bishops of Minnesota who stood up to Gov. Walz about his decision to allow only a maximum of 10 people in even large churches for Mass. A previous letter-writer said she was shocked that the archbishop was prepared to defy the governor’s order to restrict public gatherings. But the archbishop’s decision wasn’t really, or only, about defying the governor’s order, it was about reminding the governor of the right to freedom of religion in this country. Yes, we can participate in the Mass and Catholic programs on television, and we can contribute financially in ways other than hand delivery, but it’s about more than those things. And it’s not only about ourselves. It’s what’s best for our country — the guarantee of religious freedom. We need to defend our religion. In fact, our government encourages and insists on it — guarantees our right to freedom of religion. We can’t allow it to be lost. We need to thank Archbishop Hebda and the other bishops of Minnesota for reminding the governor, and us, of that fact.

Lucille Carlson
St. Peter, Forest Lake

Reopening support

I would like to comment on the letter expressing concern over opening the churches early. I understand the writer’s view, but we are in a world of inconsistency. The issue was why could stores and malls be open but not churches. The archdiocese has granted us a dispensation from attending Mass, so opening the churches is not altering that dispensation. Opening the churches is a way to bring people together in an atmosphere of love. People who are not able to attend Mass are still able to with the various media alternatives. Our faith is based on community, love and the reception of Christ in the Eucharist. That love grows when we are able to be in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ to share our joys, fears, sufferings and happiness. We gain strength from each other and Christ. After receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we are then given the message to bring Christ to others and we are strengthened to do so in a world of inconsistencies and change.

Anita Goth
St. Michael, St. Michael

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