LETTER FROM CONCERNED CATHOLIC ABOUT HABISOHN'S THEOLOGY AND e5 MOVEMENT

December 5, 2003

Cardinal Francis George Arch Bishop of Chicago 155 East Superior Street Chicago, IL 60611

Dear Cardinal George:

I have some questions about Steve Habisohn, a man in your diocese who's publicizing himself as a student of the Pope's teachings on marriage and the family and president and founder of an apostolate dedicated to the Church's teachings on marriage and sexuality. He was recently interviewed by Zenit, an international news agency providing coverage concerning the Catholic Church.

The Zenit interview is about Steve Habisohn’s men’s movement (e5) in which he invites men to fast for women, and his interpretatioin of Ephesians 5. Habisohn states "In a complementary response of total self-gift, the wife orients her will to her husband's to allow for his gift of self to be given freely. She becomes submissive -- which literally means "under" his "mission" -- to serve her needs." I've attached a copy of the full article which also can be found at http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=43662

I have a friend who’s husband regularly corresponds with Habisohn and has signed up for his e5 group. My friend is having serious marital problems and in a personal message from Habisohn to my friend, he wrote , “stop with the selfish pursuits of your own desires. Your desires might just be the worst thing for you. An ultimately its his [your husband’s] duty under God to discern such things. He has to answer to God for you.” (7/3/03)   

I have several questions.

1. Is Habisohn’s interpretation of Ephesians 5 consistent with the Teaching of the Catholic Church and John Paul II? Should a wife orient her will to her husband's will?

2. Is Habisohn correct that it is a husband’s duty to discern if his wife’s desires are good for her?

3. Can you recommend any sources to better explain chapter five of Ephesians.

4. Do you know anything about Steve Habisohn, his personal opinions, or if he should be trusted as a reliable expert on the relationship between man and wife?

Sincerely   (name has been removed)

cc: Mrs. Elsie Radtke Assistant Director of Marriage and Family Office

enclosure: Zenit interview with Habisohn 10/29/2003