The Tale of Two Clerics
There appears to be a comparison and contradiction in the tale of two clerics, Archbishop Roger M. Mahony and Father Charles E. Curran, in The Times article (Oct. 17), “Mahony Assails Censured Priest’s Views.”
In attempting to erode the strength of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, Father Curran advocates justification of abortion, homosexual acts, masturbation, premarital sex, divorce and euthanasia “under limited circumstances,” without guidelines of identification as to who, under Curran’s “Magisterium” would judge the dispensation of church law in these cases.
Perhaps he tosses a clue to this mystery when he argues that his disagreements with official church teaching are all too complex, insinuating that he average Catholic cannot comprehend what his rebellion against the Vatican is all about.
Archbishop Mahony, on the other hand, offers a clear explanation of the difference dissent with and outright rejection of the laws of the Catholic Church, and has so proven his application of compassion for the plight of AIDS victims by establishing counseling centers and material assistance in the same straightforward manner as he helped the impoverished farm workers in his former Stockton diocese.
Archbishop Mahony deserves the accolades reserved for those who adhere to the time-honored axiom of the Orient, “I hear what you say but I see what you do.”
CLAIRE HALLER
Blue Jay
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