Believers Question Vatican Loyalty Oath

Re “‘Loyalty Oath’ Divides Catholic Theologians,” July 15:

As a Catholic and former student of professor John Connolly’s at Loyola Marymount University, I applaud his courage in publicly opposing the Vatican’s loyalty oath. Picture for a moment the quality of professor-led exchanges among students in my science, English and philosophy classes, where all legitimate theories were discussed in detail. Can you imagine a university theology class so anemic it never rises above grade-school catechism? Such a class would be an embarrassment to Catholics on campus as well as Catholic alumni.

Connolly’s class presented a wonderful and rare opportunity to discuss theological issues in an intelligent way, not just with him but with other students in the class. LMU attracts students from all over the globe and from almost every religion. All are required to take two theology courses.

Such open discussion in a parish setting is truly rare because parishioners generally come from similar backgrounds and levels of commitment to the Vatican. Some say the loyalty oath represents truth in advertising. When my children search for their university, I hope they’ll find one like LMU that can legitimately advertise analytical and creative thinking.

Kelly Ritter

Westchester

*

By insisting that its theologians sign a loyalty oath pledging that they will only teach “authentic Catholic doctrine,” the Catholic church shows that it clearly grasps the problems of the world.

This is a matter of the utmost importance to everyone living in the 14th century.

Raoul Contorto

Manhattan Beach

*

As a former rebel priest in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, I appreciate the stance of Catholic theologians who will not sign the mandatum, as required by the Vatican. However, as a student of world religions in general and the history of early Christianity in particular, I understand the stance of the conservatives who support the decree. The debate primarily centers on the conservatives’ emphasis on ecclesial authority versus the liberals’ insistence on personal freedom.

Both sides are right to pursue their agenda. The Catholic Church can only benefit from this dialectic.

George Sherman

Westcliffe, Colo.