Support for Editor of Jesuit Magazine

Re “Editor of Jesuit Magazine Resigns Under Pressure,” May 7: As a Catholic priest and as an adult Christian, I welcome magazines, books and other resources that keep me updated and help me to formulate my faith in an open and intelligent manner. The Jesuit magazine, America, is one of the periodicals I find most challenging and informative with regard to issues of theology and pastoral concern.

In the epic movie “Kingdom of Heaven,” one of the characters states that to kill an infidel is the path to heaven. This misguided approach to faith seems to be replicated when good editors and theologians are censored or pressured to resign because they challenge adults to reflect openly and creatively.

Too often, leadership in the church is weakened because the voices of those who need to be heard are stifled.

My gratitude to the Jesuits and to Father Thomas Reese, who has edited America magazine. I hope and pray that the new editor will continue to provide a forum for critical issues that face the church and the world.

Frank J. Ferrante CMF

Los Angeles

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If Jesuit scholar Reese, editor of America and advocate for more open debate within the church, was forced to resign because of Vatican pressure, then I fear the reign of Benedict the Strict has arrived.

Mike Nally

Garden Grove