Belleville Letters: Bishop Braxton, Archbishop Burke

Letters 5/12

What Jesus would do

Bishop Braxton's actions in Paderborn troubled many Catholics, including me. He unnecessarily alienated a young woman and her family by denying her the sacrament of confirmation. He required young people formally address him: "Yes, Bishop," and "No, Bishop."

Catholics are leaving the church in droves. The second largest religious group in this country is former Catholics. The demise of the church in this diocese and this country, in my opinion, results from the church hierarchy's failure to live the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus was not pompous, arrogant or dictatorial. He did not live in a mansion. He did not require his followers respond, "Yes, Rabbi, Jesus;" "No, Rabbi, Jesus." Jesus did not wear expensive robes or a pointed hat (mitre) and carry an expensive walking stick (crozier).

Jesus identified with his followers. He taught by example in the way he lived.

My daughter is 12. She came to my wife and I from China two years ago. She has had no catechism lessons but attends church with us. In two parishes we attend, the priests live simply and dress simply. They do not set themselves apart from their fellow Christians. Mass is a warm and loving communion.

After Mass at one parish, our daughter seeks out the priest for a brief hug, pat on the head or kind word. These priests exemplify Jesus' love. If only our bishop(s) were like them.

Gerald Montroy
Collinsville

So sad...so confused. Catechesis, for some, is deemed unnecessary. An example of the "entitlement" mentality?

The choice for life

All bishops, all clergy of all denominations and all people of America should be as pro-life as Archbishop Raymond Burke, of St. Louis.

People need to know that pro-choice kills 4,000 innocent unborn children every day in America. For those who think it's not a child, I have this to say: Where did you come from?

We're living in America's darkest time because it is illegal to kill an unborn animal (i.e. condor eggs) but not an unborn human.

Charles Dragovich
Staunton

Yes, the world turned upside down, people seem to have lost their minds...Have you used your "weapon" - your Rosary - today? We can help by praying for our bishops and priests.

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