Posted on 09/28/2004 7:40:58 AM PDT by presidio9
"THE ANSWER" – a play about abortion, politics, and a family"s public travail in the grips of both – was scheduled to be produced at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church on October 1st. On Tuesday, September 14 – after a month of rehearsal – St. Gertrude"s pastor, Reverend William Kenneally, received word from Bishop Francis J. Kane that the play could not be performed or discussed in the church or anywhere on parish grounds. Jim Dwyer, spokesperson for the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago said, "It was decided that this was just not something that should be held in a church at a Catholic parish. It"s just not appropriate." The statements of these two men effectively prohibit "THE ANSWER" from being performed or discussed under the auspices of the Archdiocese.
After newspaper and television coverage broke news of the censure – Father Kenneally's phone began to ring. Ministers from other Christian denominations in far-flung boroughs of the city offered their churches as host for the play and the discussion slated to follow it. Pastor Bob Goldstein of Immanuel Lutheran Church nearby in Edgewater said, "Father Bill and the St. Gertrude"s community have meant a great deal to us for many years. We"ll do anything we can to help." Undaunted by the controversy stirred up by the Catholic bishop"s ban, Goldstein said, "I"ve spoken with our Council President, and our bishop. We"re all happy to have this play done here."
"THE ANSWER" will be performed October 1-3, Friday and Saturday 8PM, Sunday at 5PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 West Elmdale Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60660 – just two blocks from St. Gertrude. Written and directed by Delle Chatman screenwriter, author and theology student – "THE ANSWER" leans on a score of gospel, jazz, and sacred music performed by "Choral Thunder."
The play's controversial, two-tiered story-line is inspired by today's headlines: A Catholic Democrat watches his re-election campaign lead ooze away after a bishop denies him Communion for supporting pro-Choice legislation. Then, a month before the election, a reporter unearths an abortion the senator's daughter had while she was in college. The revelation costs him core voters and reveals a heart-rending crack in his family.
Amid numerous credits as a writer of film and television, Chatman wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay for "FREE OF EDEN," a film for Showtime starring Sidney Poitier. She's written two books, "The Death of a Parent" and "The Unteachable Ten." Chatman is currently a regular contributor to the WTTW series on Channel 11 entitled "30 Good Minutes" where she has presented reflections and sermons on many faith-centered issues.
Tickets to "THE ANSWER" are $10 for teenagers and adults. The play is not appropriate for small children. Voter registration will be offered at each performance. Reservations may be made by visiting the production"s website or by calling (773) 338-3718, where publicist Regina Sawyer may also be reached.
Contact: Regina Sawyer Publicist/Faithstruck Incorporated (773) 338-3718 phone and fax regina@theanswerin2004.com
Abortion Play Inspired by John Kerry Banned by Catholic Bishop Revived
New rules for taking communion issued
After recently listening to a liturgy expert from the U.S. bishops brief a group of Chicago priests about the importance of bowing before receiving the communion wafer, the Rev. William Kenneally, pastor of St. Gertrude parish on the far North Side, was so perturbed he preached a homily about it.
St. Gertrude's in Chicago to host play critical of Church's teaching on political life and abortion
Banned church play finds larger audience(Free Republic mentioned)
ST. GERTRUDE CATHOLIC PARISH - CHICAGO
RECTORY: 1420 W. Granville Ave. - Phone 773/764-3621 Fax 761-4164 Contact Submit News
stgertrude1420@sbcglobal.net, regina@theanswerin2004.com, info@theanswerin2004.com, greg@getdrastic.org, writergirl@dellechatman.com
To learn more about "THE ANSWER," please contact:
Regina Sawyer
Publicist
Faithstruck Incorporated
(773) 338-3718 phone and fax
regina@theanswerin2004.com
http://www.theanswerin2004.com
Good riddance.
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