Nuns didn't act on behalf of church

5/24/2008

The May 17 story by Blade religion editor David Yonke, "Catholic nuns, imam celebrate icon for peace," necessitates the following response: The Sisters of Saint Francis of Sylvania who recently "blessed" a three-paneled icon were not doing so on behalf of the Roman Catholic church (it is a only a bishop, deacon, or priest who can perform such a blessing).

By acting on their own, and by having a Muslim imam in their presence at the same time, one is led to the following conclusion: These particular sisters should request that Mother Superior grant them a dispensation from their vows in order to facilitate their conversion to Islam.

There is only one drawback for these liberal gals: they will again be required to wear the veil.

the Rev. Patrick Rohen

Sandusky

After a year in Iraq, six months in Kosovo, eight years of active duty as an Army Military Police officer, completing a combat command, receiving numerous medals (include a bronze star), and leaving as a captain, I came home to Toledo. But with all that, and bachelor's and master's degrees, I don't qualify to take the exam to be a Toledo firefighter because I am 35 years old.

My appeal to the civil service commission was rejected without even the decency of being notified. I was only asking for the opportunity to take the exam with the thousands of other applicants, not requesting veterans' preference points which many other cities grant.

If the city wants to weed out potential candidates, give a physical agility exam before the written test instead of treading on the ageism fine print in civil rights acts.

I didn't get a parade when I came home; I didn't want or need one. I enjoyed serving and was hoping for the opportunity to continue to serve my fellow citizens back home.

I understand Toledo is hemorrhaging jobs, and I accept that fact. I've been struggling alongside my fellow Toledoans for the last two years to find my niche, a career after my service in the military. I wish them luck in their search as I continue in mine.

Paul A. Emerson

Ragan Woods Drive

Amen to a May 11 contributor to the Readers' Forum for pointing out the disparate treatment of Catholic school teachers versus priests in the Toledo Diocese.

Catholic school teachers give unceasingly of themselves because they love what they do. Yet the diocese, which pays them next to nothing (many qualify for food stamps), callously closes buildings, displaces teachers and staff, and insults them by offering a paltry severance (to be revoked upon other employment).

Yes, we do need to investigate this ongoing corruption. And to the diocese I say, "Shame on you."

Sue Grant

Woodville

To all you people who over the years have been walking the Southwyck Shopping Center for your health: Think again.

Joyce Douglas

Ward Street