Brothers in Denial

As someone who once aspired to be a Christian Brother and whose spiritual mentor was a Brother who was abusing other young men, I found [News, "Touched By a Scandal," J.F. Pirro, Dec. 22] troubling. While the order seeks to minimize the involvement of Christian Brothers in the sexual abuse scandal, they have had their share of abusers.

It has been my experience that the Christian Brothers have been far more concerned with "moving forward" or "putting these matters behind" them than they have been with ministering to those who have been directly or indirectly affected by abuses committed by their brethren.

Perhaps just as seriously, the Christian Brothers seem to have little or no interest in meaningful dialogue about what may have gone awry with their organizational structures to result in troubled members of their order engaging in long-term, inappropriate behavior.

The Christian Brothers seem to be embracing chosen "lay associates." But in this writer's experience, they at the same time are willing to turn their backs or keep at arms' length their old friends who were most affected by the actions of their troubled and sexually abusive brothers.

Greg Bullough
Doylestown, Pa.

Still Out in the Cold

Few stories seem more worthy of follow-up than Jenna Portnoy's "Frost Bit" [Cover Story, "What Happened Next," Dec. 29]. Despite Gov. Rendell's recent approval of more funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), if previous years are any guide, that funding will dry up by early February.

Newspapers citywide have run articles in the last few weeks on all the bleak facets of this story: on the record number of homeowners this year with no way to heat their homes, on the new threat of PGW shutoffs, and, of course, on the soaring prices facing those who use gas and oil alike. One recent op-ed suggested readers "move into one or two rooms of your house," among other extreme tactics.

But instead of being forced to hunker down and declare war on winter, local residents should be able to expect and receive reliable and affordable service. Heat is a basic need, and everyone should know every option out there to save money in the coming months. Local buying groups, like PIRG Fuel Buyers, are a great way to get the prices and service that consumers deserve. They help heating oil users save anywhere from 12 to 30 cents per gallon of oil, and over the winter can help them save more than $200. For more information about LIHEAP funding or about Fuel Buyers, call 215-893-FUEL. As the new year begins, no one should be stranded in a home without heat, wondering where to turn for help.

Matthew Fitting

PIRG Fuel Buyers Associate
Swarthmore