Churches’ Role in El Toro Debate

* Times columnist Dana Parsons asks why churches should get involved in the El Toro airport conflict instead of just preaching God’s word on Sunday (“Keep the Wall Separating Church, County,” June 14).

Here’s why:

1. First, let’s state South County has had a military base for the past 50 years. The base has been a “good neighbor.” South County took pride in it as it was for our national defense, not for commercial use and had few if any flights at night or on weekends. It had less than one-tenth the number of flights proposed with an international airport (just to start).

2. Traditionally, politics is Republican versus Democrat. This problem really isn’t political, but one of human rights.

3. The largest retirement community in the country, Leisure World, sits under the flight path of the proposed airport. Are these seniors dispensable?

4. Church Row, one of the county’s largest congregations of churches, sits under the proposed flight path; how can we have meaningful Sunday services with airport interruptions every minute? Aren’t we even allowed a little peace and quiet to pray on Sundays?

5. It’s easy for remote areas of our county to support an airport; they won’t be subjected to the gridlock traffic, noise, pollution and dangers South County will face. Is this neighborly consideration?

6. It’s easy for people with financial gain in mind to want the uncontrolled growth an airport will bring, but what about the families who will lose the quality of their home life? Is this fair?

You’re right, Mr. Parsons. Churches should preach only the word of God from the pulpit on Sunday, but I pray they will fight social injustice and not rest the other six days of the week.

DAVE SCHLENKER

Laguna Hills

* I am a middle-aged Hispanic woman. I have a good job and I go to church regularly.

Dana Parsons has it right. I believe the churches have no business jumping into the El Toro debate. The most they should do, if anything, is guide their members to be informed about the pros and cons and then consider what seems to be best. If the churches in South County tell their parishioners to oppose the airport, does that mean the pastors in the north need to tell their parishioners to support it?

What if congregations are divided? I’ve seen good Christians fight over whether to have a summer carnival or not. I’ve seen people disagree loudly over much less. Getting involved in taking sides on a huge public issue like El Toro seems like asking for headaches.

I personally like the idea of a new airport. John Wayne airplanes fly over my home several times a day. Frankly, we’ve gotten used to it. But I’d hate to see John Wayne made busier by our deciding not to build El Toro. I’m praying for a good solution.

BARBARA ARRANAGA

Tustin

* I have never heard such deception in my life as that coming from the pro-airport planners regarding the churches under the proposed landing pattern at El Toro.

I attend the Unity Church of Tustin on Prospect Avenue just north of Irvine Boulevard. During Sunday morning services several planes approaching John Wayne airport pass directly over our church. There is no way that you can think of anything else other than that plane at that moment. It is totally disruptive to the sermon, the music, and the silent prayer time. What’s worse is the planes are not even jumbo jets or are landing as frequently as those that will be at El Toro.

I feel very sorry for the people who worship under those proposed landing patterns. Their Sunday morning services will never be the same.

BILL PURCELL

Irvine