Vatican Stops Gay Ministry

Re “Priest, Nun Told to Halt Work With Gays,” July 14: I am deeply saddened by the Vatican’s actions against Sister Jeannine Gramick and Father Robert Nugent for their courageous outreach to the thousands of gay and lesbian members and former members of the Catholic Church. I am both a former member of the church and the brother of a Catholic bishop who has also spoken out in support of my being gay and my long-term, loving relationship.

As my brother says, I am not an “objectively disordered” person and the sexual expression of my love for my partner is not “intrinsically evil.” The harm that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Pope John Paul II are inflicting on millions of gays throughout the world is impossible to comprehend. Their position encourages disturbed individuals to harm gays or even kill them.

DAN GUMBLETON

Pasadena

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I applaud the Vatican for its efforts to purge error by suppressing a band of self-styled renegades. The Catholic Church is not opposed to ministry for homosexuals. In fact, one such group, called Courage, is warmly respected and welcomed by American bishops. All types of ministry (i.e., homosexual, divorce, drug addiction) are welcome, just so long as they do not compromise the truth which the church is entrusted to preserve.

Whenever maverick ministries are left unchecked, conjecture and possibly even heresy are often the result.

KEVIN LARSON

Placentia

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Re “It’s Church’s Role to Tackle Moral Issues,” Column Right, July 15: Oh pleez! “The Mormon and other churches” must defend marriage . . . “history will not forgive those who silenced them.” Isn’t this from the church that openly practiced polygamy for over 100 years? And today is still in the news for renegade members who marry their nieces?

Lynn Wardle thinks gay men getting married would “sow confusion and wreak social distress”? Did anyone else find his strident article the pot calling the kettle black?

BOB PHIBBS

Long Beach