Criticism, praise for a bishop

Re “A bishop’s divided house,” Oct. 31

Your otherwise fine article was marred by the Rt. Rev. Jon Bruno’s incorrect reference to the Catholic Church’s position on reason and conscience. The church promotes learning on an unprecedented scale; witness the great number of schools of all kinds that it supports. And on the matter of conscience, the official position of the church states that “conscience is man’s most secret core and sanctuary.”

I strongly suggest that Bruno, the bishop of the Los Angeles diocese of the Episcopal Church, read St. Thomas Aquinas’ teaching on education, a position largely shared by the Catholic Church today. And while he is at it, he might well learn from his other most admired churchman, Bishop Desmond Tutu, the value of an irenic approach to church relationships.

PETER A. O’REILLY

Claremont

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As a newly received Episcopalian, I was thrilled to have the chance to hear Bruno preach just last month at my parish, St. Thomas the Apostle in Hollywood. As a former Catholic and a gay man, I know all too well the pain of feeling like an outcast in the one place where all should be welcomed, the Christian community. The healing power of this man cannot be expressed easily, but your description of him cradling a man ravaged by AIDS was certainly a start.

He is truly a Christian, not some self-proclaimed Christian handing out damnation, but one who is actually doing the work of Christ. I am so proud to call him “Father Bishop.”

JIMMY DOYLE

Hollywood