Conrad Cartoon

One of the most powerful artistic symbols of the Christian faith is the Christus Rex--Christ the king, portraying Jesus resurrected in triumph, his arms raised in blessing against the backdrop of the cross. It is our icon of the victory of life over death and a tangible portrayal of the hope of eternity which underlies everything we believe.

Paul Conrad’s Feb. 21 editorial cartoon misused and abused a precious possession of our faith to make a political point. For Christians, Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure or a leitmotif of European art. He is the living God. Debasement of deity is hardly an apt subject for political satire.

We believe firmly in freedom of speech. If you listen carefully you can hear the believing Christian community’s reply to Conrad’s cartoon. What you hear is not ranting--it is the sound of us weeping.

SAMUEL SCHEIBLER

Bishop, Church of the

Resurrection, Brea