"You mean I'm not..."

From the archives, an article in New York Times:

Without a 'Father' or 'Son,' Baptisms Are Ruled Invalid



Published: October 9, 1993
A Roman Catholic priest told several families that the baptisms he had performed were declared invalid because he altered a reference to the Holy Trinity.

For "Father, Son and Holy Spirit," the Rev. William Larkin said he had substituted "God our Creator, through Jesus the Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit." He said his motive was to be more sensitive to women.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston said Auxiliary Bishop John P. Boles had written to Father Larkin's order, the Paulist Fathers, saying that the word changes would invalidate the baptisms.

and tomorrow?

One wonders where these pay-offs will all lead.

They may appease the victims, but the structure that produced and nurtured the problem hasn't really changed, has it? Cutting off the top of a weed doesn't make your garden much better. You need to pull weeds. You need to plan your garden and make wise choices. You need to be attentive. You supposed shepherds of flocks. Talk to me again when you've put down your drinks, and your wallets and your forks and your keys. I'm having a tough time hearing you over the din of your recreations.