St. Gertrude's in Chicago to host play critical of Church's teaching on political life and abortion

Catholic Citizens of Illinois ^ | 8/27/04 | CCI Comments and PRWEB NEWS SERVICE release from 8/27/04

[Land of the Irish]

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St. Gertrude's in Chicago to host play critical of Church's teaching on political life and abortion

8/27/2004 8:57:00 PM - CCI Comments and PRWEB NEWS SERVICE release from 8/27/04

CCI NOTES: You need an indult from the Bishop to say a Tridentine Mass in a Catholic Church, but to stage a play that mocks Church teaching, all you need are puffed up dissenters and a bad script. On October 1 - 3, St. Gertrude's in Chicago will be the stage for a play entitled "The Answer" which purports to deal with the issue of pro-abortion politicians being denied the Eucharist. The play's producers hope "the artistic "distance" created in theater can promote understanding among those holding divergent views." In June of this year, St. Gertrude's hosted Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who is pro-abortion and a former Democratic candidate for office. Invited allegedly to reflect on the Gospel, Jackson's reflections included demanding universal healthcare coverage. The press release announcing "The Answer" is as follows:

PRWEB, AUGUST 27, 2004: Can a Vote be a Sin? Catholics’ Election-Year Dilemma Inspires Chicago Play

Set and performed in a Catholic church October 1-3, "THE ANSWER," a spiritual musical in one act, explores the dilemma of a Catholic Democrat under fire for supporting pro-choice legislation. Written and directed by author and artist Delle Chatman, this new work features the gospel, jazz and sacred music of "Choral Thunder."

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 27, 2004 -- Can a vote be a sin? "THE ANSWER" may surprise you. Set and performed in a Catholic church, this one-act play with music explores the dilemma of a Catholic Democrat under fire for supporting pro-choice legislation. Written and directed by Delle Chatman, an author and artist turned theology student, "THE ANSWER" moves to a score of gospel, jazz and sacred music performed by the nationally renowned choir "Choral Thunder." It will be performed October 1-3, Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Parish in Chicago, 1420 W. Granville Avenue, Chicago.

"THE ANSWER" opens as Senator James Berkley Harrison, considered a shoo-in for reelection, has been denied Communion by the archbishop in his home state of Missouri. On his way to yet another appearance, Harrison abandons his campaign manager, his movie star brother and his wife in their limousine, and flees into an empty Catholic church, seeking peace in the midst of a campaign derailed by religious controversy. The night before, a mere month before Election Day, a television reporter told the world about an abortion Harrison’s daughter had when she was in college, an abortion her father knew nothing about. This shocking revelation deals a brutal blow to Harrison’s campaign and thrusts his marriage into serious crisis.

A discussion, modulated by refreshments and moderated by the playwright, will follow each performance of "THE ANSWER." A three-person panel representing pro-choice, pro-life and church/state separation views will join audience members as they explore the play’s themes. Chatman hopes that the artistic "distance" created in theater can promote understanding among those holding divergent views. Working from a first draft written nearly 20 years ago, Chatman crafted "THE ANSWER" as, "a sad but beautiful prism through which to view this painful, complicated issue. I thought a good story could create a safe place for folks to share instead of shout. If we can get past the politics of abortion, maybe we can examine it with faith and compassion for the people involved."

In 2002, when the Catholic Church’s child abuse scandal broke, Chatman waded into similarly stirred religious waters. She directed a cast of seminarians and lay graduate students at Catholic Theological Union in "Faith, Sexuality, and Power: CTU’s Theologizing Thespians Read Outside the Canon." That production presented at the seminary where Chatman herself is a student, featured poetry readings and dramatic scenes from "The Diaries of Adam and Eve," "Saint Joan," "Becket," "Agnes of God" and "J.B." among others.

Amid numerous credits as a writer of film and television, Chatman wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay for "FREE OF EDEN," a feature film for Showtime starring Sidney Poitier. She also created the recurring character of an African American cowboy in the ABC series, THE YOUNG RIDERS. She’s written two books, "The Death of a Parent" and "The Unteachable Ten," and is much sought after as a speaker on the subjects of media and spirituality. 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 issues, including peace, justice, forgiveness and faith.

"THE ANSWER" will be performed by St. Gertrude parishioners Mark Kollar, Dietrich Klevorn, Gabriel Germann, Megan Quinn, Crystal Chan, Joe O’Neill and Mike Tobin. Shelby Webb, Jr. directs Choral Thunder, a group he founded 15 years ago in Hyde Park. Proceeds from all performances will be donated to this multicultural, multi-denominational choir. Choreography by Dorothea Tobin will feature parish liturgical dancers. Joe Swearingen is set decorator. The production incorporates multimedia visual art by artist Greg Penrice who also designed its website, and photography by Jim Morris, president of Chicago’s Alliance of African American Photographers. Rev. William Kenneally is pastor of St. Gertrude’s Parish.

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 calling St. Gertrude’s Rectory 773.764.3621 or by visiting the production’s website: http://www.theanswerin2004.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

Contact Information, Regina Sawyer, FAITHSTRUCK INCORPORATED, http://www.theanswerin2004.com, 773.338.3718

To notify the Archdiocese of Chicago of your feelings regarding this play being staged in a Catholic Church, contact Jim Dwyer, Director of Communications at the Archdiocese of Chicago at the general number, 312-751-8227, or via fax at 312-751-5307. Leave a message for Mr. Dwyer at 312-751-8233, or send him an email at jdwyer@archchicago.org

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[Land of the Irish]

So much for George cleaning up Bernardin's mess.

[Land of the Irish]

Ping

[AAABEST]

A three-person panel representing pro-choice, pro-life and church/state separation views will join audience members as they explore the play’s themes.

Gee how far we've "progressed", we're giving equal time to the pro-death and anti-God crowd in our own churches. Of course we must tolerate or even embrace the views of God haters and baby killers.

All hail the New Order and the "springtime" of the Catholic church.

[sassbox]

this is an outrage - where the F is Cardinal George??

[Right_Handed_Writer]

What else could come from a parish beholden to the lakefront libs?

[Convert from ECUSA]

Good night, nurse! Rhetorical question that I keep asking - why, if these people are in such disagreement with the Church's teachings, do they stick around? Why the heck don't they do the decent thing and depart for a denomination more agreeable to them? Rhetorical questions. The termites prefer to keep gnawing away to destroy things. I have my own answer for "The Answer" - my mean old cat in Heaven, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, JEB Stuart, and John Singleton Mosby, with me pointing to this "parish" where "The Answer" is and telling them - "the Yankees are over there, go get 'em!"

Oy. You sure these "catholics" at this parish aren't actually AmEpiscopalians in disguise?!

[dissident daughter]

First of all, I have READ the script, and you are all way off the mark here; this play is PRO-LIFE.
You'll all have to find another christian to burn at the stake....

Oh, and since when is discussion with those of opposing views sinful?

And you are questioning THEIR "catholicness"? Seems like a lot of stones being cast here....

[dissident daughter]

In the words of Pope Paul IV:
"It would indeed be a disgrace if our dialogue were marked by arrogance, the use of bared words or offensive bitterness. What gives it its authority is the fact that it affirms the truth, shares with others the gifts of charity, is itself an example of virtue, avoids peremptory language, makes no demands. It is peaceful, has no use for extreme methods, is patient under contradiction and inclines towards generosity."

None of you have read the play, and have JUMPED to the conclusion that it dissents from chuch teaching; how suprised you would be to learn that it DOES NOT. The archdiocese has embraced the chance for dialogue. You should all be ashamed of yourselves!

[AAABEST]

Bleeeeckkk! Why don't you just stick your finger down my throat while you're at it.

You can't possibly believe that anyone here is enough of an idiot to believe that Paul IV would advocate giving a captive audience of the faithful to a panel that includes a pro-murder advocate and someone who would remove God from the public square at his first opportunity.

Who needs a "dialogue" with these creeps? They should confess and seek forgiveness, not be given a soap box in a Catholic house of God.

You have a definition of generosity and virtue is bent.

[AAABEST]

Oh, and since when is discussion with those of opposing views sinful? And you are questioning THEIR "catholicness"? Seems like a lot of stones being cast here...

I realize that you new-churchers like to twist the Gospel to fit your whacky worldview, but being repulsed by non-Christian goons airing their views in our churches is not casting stones, it's righteous indignation.

[Mr. Lucky]

Welcome to FreeRepublic.

[dissident daughter]

The play is written by a Catholic, and is PRO-LIFE; you need to accept that your spreading misinformation to satisfy your own sense of "righteous indignation," as you call it.

The discussion does not take place in the church, but in a secular setting that the audience will be invited to attend after the play.

Why don't you come and withold judgement until then?
A rep. from the archdiocese Respect for Life office will be taking a leading role on the panel. THEY have read the script!

[dissident daughter]

These "creeps" are as much a part of the body of Christ as you are; why don't you come to the play and withold judgement until then?

The play is PRO-LIFE, and the archdiocese has approved of the script. YOU have not read the script, but have cast judgement anyway.