Mahony Gets Mixed Feedback on Feud With KCET

When Cardinal Roger M. Mahony wandered out among his flock on Sunday, he drew mixed reviews for his recent run-in with public television station KCET over a film he called “anti-Catholic propaganda.”

As Mahony made his first visit ever to a small Catholic church at the edge of Silver Lake, parishioner Donna DiMarco said: “I’m glad he said something about Catholic bashing. Most times we just take it and don’t say anything.”

Ed Harper, another parishioner at the church, St. Teresa of Avila, said: “I don’t feel he has the right to tell us to boycott KCET. That bothers me very much.”

Last week, Mahony condemned KCET for airing a short film about AIDS activists protesting against the Catholic Church. The Los Angeles archdiocese head also called on supporters to consider withdrawing financial support from the station.

Reaction to Mahony’s stand, at St. Teresa’s and at other parishes in the area, was divided, with some wholeheartedly agreeing with the cardinal’s stand and others quite critical.

Most interviewed said they had not seen the documentary, which showed an AIDS activist group disrupting a Mass in New York City, and were only vaguely aware of Mahony’s appeal against KCET.

Some at St. Teresa’s said they were worried that AIDS activists would show up at the church, and were relieved when Mahony said the Mass and left, alone, driving his own car, without incident.

Among the more than 400 who stood in line after Mass to shake Mahony’s hand or kiss his ring was Jane Nachazel, who described herself as a devout Catholic and church supporter.

But she approved of KCET showing the film because “it doesn’t help anything to hide stuff in the shadows.” She also was concerned that Mahony had overreacted, adding: “It seems to me he jumped to fifth gear without going from one through four.”

As Nachazel moved through the line to reach the cardinal, the Los Angeles County employee said she “believed in discussion,” and asked Mahony why he did not join a KCET panel after “Stop the Church” aired Friday.

“I wouldn’t dignify it,” Mahony replied.

Others said the cardinal had given free publicity to a film that was “stupid” or “not well done.” “He exacerbated the situation,” Jackie Johnson, a legal secretary, said outside St. Basil’s Church on Wilshire Boulevard.

Mahony supporters criticized those who said the cardinal’s efforts were violations of free speech. “We have free speech but you’re not allowed to yell ‘fire’ in a crowded ballroom,” said Stacy Colicchio, an engineer and regular parishioner at St. Teresa’s. He thought the film was “vicious,” and said he would drop his KCET membership.

Harold Warren, outside St. Didacus Church in Sylmar, said he applauded Mahony’s willingness to stand up to AIDS activists. “They’re a very forceful and vocal group now.” Mahony’s call to withdraw support from the station did not affect him, he added, because “I don’t support KCET anyway.”

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