CBA Record

ARCHBISHOP BLASE CUPICH ADDRESSES CBA MEMBERS Forming Alliances to Find Solutions By Pamela Sakowicz Menaker, Editorial Board Member S peaking shortly before his formal elevation to Cardinal, the message of Cardinal-Designate Archbishop

raised the interesting issue of “recapturing the art of friendship.” He said that being friends is no longer a matter of trusting individuals; it has become a mere “transac- tional exercise in back-scratching.” He went on to say that “young people need to see that this is not disingenuous discourse” on the subject of reducing violence in Chicago. In building friendships and collabora- tive relationships, the Archbishop pointed out that, “Friendships remind people that we have so much in common.” His 20-minute speech (which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3wW9a_BrP6M) received a standing ovation–for his words as well as for his evident commitment to helping all of Chicago–bring together people of all religions, races and ethnicities to solve the complex issue of violence and to bring justice to those who deserve a better chance in life. His emphasis on early education and of instilling good habits was well received. The Archbishop took time to answer questions from the audience and spoke at length privately following his address with several African American religious leaders who were in attendance. As he prepared for his November trip to Rome to be elevated to Cardinal, he said he would pray for a Cubs victory in the World Series. Even sports, he said, is a way to stave off gang violence. Note: The Very Rev. Gregory Sakowicz is the Rector of Holy Name Cathedral and is the brother of Pamela Sakowicz Menaker, this article’s author.

Wright, Jr., as CBA President invited to Chicago Nobel Peace Prize winner and the first South African Anglican bishop of South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The international peace figure spoke to CBA members about gun violence and possible solutions at an interfaith dinner in 2009. Archbishop Cupich is now taking on that peacemaking role as he said he tries to understand the multi-faceted issue due to reasons including education, segregation, racism, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and availability of weapons. Seeks to Combat City’s Violence He listed many programs at the Archdiocese of Chicago already in progress trying to deal with violence–from anti-bullying in the schools to Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls to the Anti-Violence Task Force Initiative to the work of Catholic Charities, the largest provider of social services in the state. The CBA has worked for the past seven years on its Restorative Justice Program with volunteer attorneys who teach stu- dents in fifth through eighth grades how to handle heated conversations and stress- ful situations in a more peaceful and civil manner. Archbishop Cupich also men- tioned the work of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago that also is working on Restorative Justice in Chicago. His insight into the “power and control” cycle that many people find as a way to solve their problems stems from their witnessing abusive behavior as children in the “toxic environments” of their homes. He also

Blase Cupich was clear: the Catholic Church wants to be an integral part of the ecumenical solution in fighting violence in Chicago, “forming alliances for mutual respect and trust” in a collaborative effort with other religious and civic groups to reverse the cycle of violence. At a crowded luncheon at the Standard Club on a brisk October day, Archbishop Cupich addressed CBA members regard- ing an issue that he said reporters asked him about even as he stepped off the plane some two years ago to head the Archdiocese of Chicago. Then, the Archbishop said he could only speak in generalities. For the past two years, he has spoken to many com- munity leaders, he has visited prisons and even taken night rides with police officers in an effort to understand the depth and breadth of this issue. He said that he has learned that the Catholic Church cannot solve this issue alone. “We must all pull together to help with short and long-term goals,” he told the group. The ecumenical spirit of the luncheon was apparent from the very start when invo- cations from Rabbi Steven Lowenstein of Glencoe, Bishop James Dukes of Liberation Christian Center on Chicago’s South Side, and Monsignor Kenneth Velo of Old St. Patrick’s Church demonstrated how everyone was speaking from the same CBA pulpit. The CBA’s effort on Restorative Justice began years ago when Judge E. Kenneth

10 NOVEMBER 2016