Baltimore's new archbishop talks about hopes, challenges

Published: 2008-01-11

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- In the more than three months since he assumed leadership of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien has begun to examine one of the key issues he addressed in his Oct. 1 installation homily: how the church can help Baltimore leaders deal with the problems of the city. Having toured the city's 50 parishes, the 15th archbishop of Baltimore has seen a snapshot of Baltimore and its people. "The contrast is stark really," Archbishop O'Brien said. "I think anybody who wants to take a walk can find areas with very nice homes, well-kept lawns, good streets and sidewalks, and maybe 15 minutes later find themselves in a neighborhood that is just racked, torn apart, as if a war had just been fought. The poverty, violence, insecurity and fear are evident." Poverty, illegal drug activity, violent crime and nearly 300 homicides in 2007 are among the urban evils that stand out for the new archbishop as he becomes familiar with Baltimore.

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