=?X-UNKNOWN?Q?12016=3A__=5BISO-8859-1=5D_Re=3A_a1987=3A_=A0Cler?==?X-UNKNOWN?Q?gy_abuse=2E=2E=2E=2E=2E_=28fwd=29?=

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Racine125@aol.com

>
>From: Fr. Michael Graves <harchim@yahoo.com>
>
>Now let's wait a minute before slamming the clergy! I know protestants and
>Orthodox and even Voudoo clergy persons who lead just
>as hypocritical lives.

 No one is suggesting that clergy of other Christian denominations never
 abuse little children.  However, the problem seems to be exacerbated by
 the celibacy required of Roman Catholic pastors.

>Right here in Haiti we have Voudoo houngans and mambos
>who surely live notoriously incorrect lives

 SURE!  One Houngan was arrested six months or so ago for having relations
with a twelve year old girl and then failing to pay her mother the $60 Haitian that he promised her for the use of her daughter.  The mother, however, was not arrested.
>in
>addition to protestant and Orthodox clergymen. (I AM
>NOT ONE OF THEM!)


> For instance, I know of one Voudoo
>mambo from the USA (Boston, yet!) who spends lots of
>time in Haiti living with one boyfriend or the other
>and quite publicly

 EXCUSE ME, but... since I am the only Mambo from Boston on this list, I
 have to assume that "Father Michael" is once again seeking a problem with
me.

 First of all, I don't think the topic of my romantic affairs, or how many
 boyfriends or admirers I have or have not, is proper subject matter for
 this list.

 Secondly, Vodou does not discourage sexual relations or require marriage.
 Many Houngans are polygamous, some are gay, some are both!  Some Mambos,
 like most women in Haiti, have children with more than one man, some are
 lesbians, some are both lesbian AND have children.

 I am sure that some people, both Haitian and non-Haitian, are attracted
 to Vodou because we do not condemn homosexuals.

 However - the abuse of children is NEVER acceptable, and a Houngan or
 Mambo who abused children would soon find themselves run out of their
 community.

Peace and love,

Bon Mambo Racine Sans Bout Sa Te La Daginen

"Se bon ki ra" - Good is rare
     Haitian proverb

The VODOU Page - http://members.aol.com/racine125/index.html

(Posting from Jacmel, Haiti)