$25 Million for Church Is Obscene

* Re “Church Deal Moving Along,” Feb. 8:

As an ardent follower of Christ and member of St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Costa Mesa, I was embarrassed to learn about the grandiose plans for the new buildings at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Corona del Mar.

I believe the proposal to spend nearly $25 million (probably more in reality) on a building for Our Lady Queen of Angels is an obscene act of arrogance and self-indulgence by our church leadership, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the basic human needs of our neighbors, both Catholic and non-Catholic, in the diocese and county.

The plan to duplicate the Portiuncula Chapel, the church where St. Francis of Assisi worshiped, with exact museum-quality construction is lavish and extravagant. Is it our church leaders’ belief that by worshiping in an ornate, multimillion-dollar, museum-quality replica, one is more likely to replicate St. Francis’ appealing spirituality, renowned for its austerity, humility and love for the poor?

As one who admittedly struggles daily with the church’s teachings to respect life, identify with the forsaken and love my enemy, I fear that this pompous pet project will undermine the church’s compelling message, increase the public’s cynicism and sap my spiritual fervor.

DARLY CHINN

Newport Beach