When Mother Teresa died, the media did not give her the coverage that it afforded Princess Diana, but generally the treatment was quite fair (see story inside). One of the few really nasty remarks came not from the media, but from an English Episcopal priest, Reverend Donald Reeves.
On September 8, on CBS “This Morning,” Reeves had the gaul to call Mother Teresa “a very canny Albanian peasant” and a “bossy boots.” He charged that “she was more interested in charity than she was in social justice, about why there was so much poverty and homelessness.” He also said that “she espoused a former Roman Catholicism which, at least in Europe and I think in parts of America, people are trying to get rid of.”
Because of the public outcry against Rev. Reeves, he was invited to return the following morning on CBS to defend himself. Chosen to debate him was William Donohue. Donohue agreed but was disappointed when CBS later reneged and said they weren’t going to do the show.
The league was nonetheless heartened to know that CBS got the message loud and clear. They were flooded with calls, as was the Catholic League. As a result, we don’t expect to see Rev. Reeves invited back by CBS.Members who would like to let this English gentleman know what they think about his observations can write to him at the following address: Rector, St. James Church, 197 Piccadilly, London W1V OLL, England. Or give the chap a call at 011.44.171.734.4511. We’re sure he’d be delighted to hear from the Catholic League.
