Catholicism requires acceptance of principles

Re “Faithful, Yet Not Traditional Catholics,” June 4

For someone to reject the core beliefs of an organization yet claim to be part of that organization flies in the face of logic, reason and common sense. This is true in any organization, and perhaps especially true in one whose structure and beliefs are founded in 2,000 years of tradition. If people want to call themselves Catholics, they are obliged to accept the teachings and the authority of the church. If they want to leave the church, there is nothing to stop them. But if they leave, they’re no longer Catholics and should not identify themselves as such.

MIKE MATHEWS

Palm Desert

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The individuals described in The Times’ article defiantly invent a right to select whichever theological principles to accept or reject. To what are they being faithful? If they have the power to ignore certain doctrinal precepts of the church, then which ones should be followed? These breakaway Catholics argue that the church is not inclusive enough. This is merely code for the concept that the church will not change its doctrine to suit their ego-driven behavior. Without standards, the church is nothing more than a social fraternity with nice rituals.

These breakaway churches may be many things. They are not, however, Catholic.

RICHARD ANDERSON

West Covina