Pastor Joseph Mills has the right idea
Kudos to Pastor Joseph Mills of the Westchester Community Church for his remarks regarding separation of church and state during the presidential election (Suburban Life, Nov. 19). I am not a member of his church, yet find  his thoughts to be objective and enlightening.

“When we begin to tell members how to vote, we abridge their basic right to seek their individual relationship with their creator.” My perception of Pastor Mills’ style reflects one who is guiding, not dictating or judging.

In contrast, we hear from a Catholic priest in South Carolina berating those who voted for President-elect Barack Obama based solely on the abortion issue. He is denying these voters Holy Communion, concluding that their vote “constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil.” Then comes the olive branch by way of an invitation to the confessional. So much for the sanctity of the secret ballot and the sanctity of the confessional.

Adding to the damage are recent reports of Cardinal George speaking at the fall meeting of the nation’s Catholic Bishops condemning our president-elect over the abortion issue. This attack before Obama has even taken a first official step into the Oval Office.

A similar scenario comes from another Catholic cardinal, James Stafford, who criticized Obama as “aggressive, disruptive and apocalyptic.” Apocalyptic? If this is reference to ending the world as we now know it, I say go for it. After all, Obama did campaign on a “change” platform.

The American electorate has a right to expect Christian leaders of all faiths to fulfill their obligation as guides, not dictators whose command of language reflects a Christian attitude. My mother taught me at a young age that it isn’t always what you say as it is how you say it.

The complexity of today’s challenges demands respectful dialogue and caution against developing a single-issue election trap. This calls for an open mind. Church leadership should be paving the way to unity, not digging ditches of divisiveness.

Jean Rodgers, Broadview

Community helped make CSS Inc. event a success
Community Support Services Inc. would like to acknowledge and thank the Cheney Mansion staff and area residents who attended and donated to our “Chefs Serving Up Support” event held there  Nov. 14.

CSS Inc. is a Brookfield-based agency founded in 1981, serving the suburban Chicago area by providing programs and services for nearly 600 individuals with developmental disabilities.  
Our event chairman, Sal Sciortino, proprietor of Trattoria Gemelli of Brookfield, solicited donations from fellow restaurateurs: Gaetanos of Forest Park, Winberies of Oak Park, Marion Street Cheese Mart of Oak Park, Embrace of Hinsdale and delicious desserts by pastriessotasty.com to the delight of the many newcomers and long-time supporters.

The mansion gardens were expertly decorated and lit by John Ware of Wilson Ware Group landscaping, who also donated design certificates for the silent auction.

Additional auction items included gift certificates donated by many Chicago area restaurants, tickets for area theaters and family attractions, jewelry, holiday and spa gift baskets, autographed sports and celebrity memorabilia and custom designer coats from Hana K of Glencoe.

Food service and table dressing was expertly provided by four volunteer students from the Chic Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. Additional volunteer support was generously provided by the Starbucks district area store managers and their employees who have long supported CSS Inc. as their chosen charity recipient of the Starbucks Make Your Mark community program, which includes grant funding along with their volunteerism.

The recent gaps in traditional funding sources will require continued generous contributions from our communities. The entire staff of Community Support Services is very grateful to all the kind donors and volunteers for recognizing and helping to meet the tremendous need that our participants are experiencing this year.

Kathie Schiffman, special events manager for Community Support Services Inc.