Archbishop’s Visit

You devoted most of “L.A. Visit Unsettles Archbishop” (May 27) to the issue of the ordination of noncelibate gay men and lesbians, a matter that was not of central focus to the visit of the Most Rev. George L. Carey. While this issue is of great concern to some, it did not warrant the kind of emphasis you gave it in terms of this historic visit. In his sermon at the Convention Center, which lasted about 20 minutes, the archbishop of Canterbury spent about 10 seconds on the issue of homosexuals and women priests.

In referring to the event, you mentioned how “division among the faithful was apparent.” It was? I didn’t see any division. There were thousands of people of every race, walk of life, straight and gay, but we were all united in celebration and worship along with our bishop and our honored guest. The singing was magnificent, there were readings and songs in various languages, and the spirit was one of joy, uplift and hope.

GEORGE IZAGUIRRE

Claremont

* The coverage of the centennial of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has been informative. Since the fifth bishop of our diocese, the Rt. Rev. Frederick H. Borsch, was pictured on the front page May 25 between Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and the archbishop of Canterbury, it seems an egregious oversight that Bishop Borsch was not identified.

DEAN FARRAR

Rector, St. Francis Parish

Palos Verdes Estates

* As a secular humanist I take exception to the comment made by Carey warning the West to guard against secularism (May 25). Though I agree with his denouncement of the “unspeakable atrocities committed against innocent people in the name of religion.”

Regarding his call to the world faiths to bring about peace, when history shows they never had before and probably never will, I believe it is the secularist, with his tolerance of religions, who can transcend the differences in the various faiths and bring about true peace. Secularism provides a government that is free of religion, but allows all religions and non-religions to practice freely, and therefore has the ability to deal with other secular governments in a rational and tolerant manner.

BERNARD MESCO

Playa del Rey Caption