Written by Bishop Andrew Gentry   

Beloved Friends,

I hope you have heard of the horrifically cruel irresponsible New York Times article about the gang rape of a 11 year old, I repeat 11 years old, in which the reporter implied that this little girl was in fact responsible and that the real victims were the boys and men who participated in this egregious crime! The article was published on March 8th and neither the reporter nor the newspaper has admitted any irresponsibility to date. It happened in Texas, where else, where the mentality is still that women "get what they deserve" when it comes to such an heinous crime! I am simply dumbfounded that in the 21st Century such a mentality and such duplicity on the part of a world renowned news print organization is allowed and even encouraged by criminally misguided cretans.

Let there be no mistake. Rape is a crime not a sexual act. It is one of the most violent invasions of human dignity and personhood that can be perpetrated upon anyone regardless of gender. Yes young boys have and are raped but by far it is girls and young women who are the victims of such evil. As if any other insult to injury could be endured the victims more often than not are blamed and essentially raped again in the legal system and in the media. This is an act of demonic proportions and the cries of the innocent generally go unheard.

People often ask me, "Bishop do you believe in Hell" and I respond in the affirmative. A person who would rape a child or anyone else is in grave danger of hell and should be!

Contact the NYT and demand an apology and a change in editorial policy that would prevent this injustice from ever happening again. Pray for this young girl for she will have a life time of healing ahead of her and pray that those responsible both directly and indirectly will understand the gravity of their sin and seek amendment of life and conversion.

Peace
Bishop Andrew Gentry
The Church of All Saints and Sorts
A Congregational Catholic Church an Intentional Eucharistic Community