‘Catechism’ Commentary Accused of Anti-Catholic Bias

While I cannot comment on “Late Night Catechism” since I have not seen it, I do wish to object to the blatant anti-Catholicism in the review of it by Michael Phillips (“This Show Appeals to Catholic Tastes,” May 11).

From his opening salvo, “In the memory of most Catholics, whether practicing or recovering . . .” (emphasis mine), to the cheap shot “its [the Catholic Church’s] general influence and popularity have gone south,” Phillips reveals himself to be an anti-Catholic bigot.

That a major newspaper like The Times finds it acceptable to publish such bigotry is deplorable.

THE REV. GREGORY COIRO, Media relations director, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

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I found Phillips’ comments relegating the Catholic Church to an irrelevant status of “comic fodder” inaccurate and offensive. These comments typify the secular cynicism that has tried to chip away at the values and disciplines of the institutions that uphold our spiritual dimension.

As we continue to wrestle with the meaning behind Littleton or ponder the questions of Kosovo, I think we as a society should take faith more seriously.

MAURA WALSH, Sierra Madre

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Phillips should stick to the theater and leave the religious commentary for the Saturday Metro edition, where The Times has a whole page dedicated to religious discussion. Most of us have heard all the negative nun jokes decrying the foibles of Sister Holy Smoke and her compatriot, Sister Mary Paschal Candle, Half Lit. They were tiresome 50 years ago and have not improved with age.

Phillips may do well to compare the levels of reading, writing and ‘rithmetic in the Catholic schools of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s with the level of California education today.

JOHN ST. DENIS, Murrieta

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“Late Night Catechism” may or may not be offensive. Phillips’ blatant prejudice and derogatory comments most certainly are.

SHEILA T. CONANT, Anaheim