Hi everyone,

This picture of the skywalk which connects Union Station and the Rogers Centre (formally Skydome) in Toronto describes my mood today.

Maybe you might have heard or not heard that Pope Benedict called a summit of the Vatican officials to discuss Arbishop Milingo of Africa who got married and then dismissed his wife to reconcile with the Church only to be excommunicated for ordaining four married men bishops.  My heart pounded with anticipation that there was even news about this, that a meeting was even being called.  Arbishop Milingo is a bit far out there on other issues but has challenged Rome in their refusal to budge on the issues of married priests, optional celibacy.  Today Pope Benedict slammed the door again in the face of communities that would close down due to a lack of priests to celebrate Eucharist.  Again I am ashamed and embarrassed of our leader and a group who need to move outside the walls of the Vatican and experience a bit of reality.

Wht does this have to do with L' Arche daybreak you might ask?  Well the leadership here under Carl MacMillan make decisions that are based on the wellbeing and growth and deepening of this wonderful community.  There is a genuine care for the members of the this community.  I feel in communion with them.  My heart today does not feel the same with our church.  Like the picture above, I feel isolated and far off. It pains me to see our Church leaders neglect its people once again. What will it take for the Church to listen to the heart of its people?  I cannot see how this decision today makes our church a credible witness of the gospel.  It certainly gave people a eason to shake their heads again in disbelief.  I certainly did.  My heart was also very heavy with this news.

I am again grateful to L'Arche for nuturing us, for caring for us, for being open and welcoming to many people and being an authentic witness of the gospel. My heart has found a home here.

Until next time...

Jeff