Catholicism Lacks Defenders of the Faith

I agree with Frances Kissling, president of Catholics for a Free Choice, who feels that any criticism of the church is likely to prompt a charge of Catholic bashing from its leaders (“Under Fire: the Rise of Anti-Catholic Sentiment in America,” Sept. 9).

What I find interesting is that the church has traditionally lauded its “martyr” image--so much so that its greatest heroes have been those canonized saints who accepted death in steadfast defense of their faith. These days the church should welcome criticism. Invite it willingly. Promote it like a Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast.

But it won’t. What is apparent to me, a person baptized in the church and a product of its schools, is that the church cannot abide criticism from nonbelievers, nor dissent from within its own laity or clergy. Packaging itself as the one and only true religion, the Catholic Church’s hierarchy has effectively painted itself into the deepest corner of its own gilded sanctuary.

A primary concern is the propagation of the faith. For if it could not count on tabula rasa newborns to fill the dwindling ranks, the Catholic Church would have to rely solely on the volition of new members. And to do so might require added incentives--like being more tolerant, accessible, and accountable. If that’s too much of a stretch, it could always try giving away free Notre Dame football tickets.

KEVIN GILLOGLY

Los Angeles