Readers React: Same sacred building, different faith

To the editor: So the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange plans to create a more inwardly oriented sanctuary in the old Crystal Cathedral by constructing walls and placing shades that keep the outdoor light from pouring in. (“Diocese of Orange unveils planned alterations for former Crystal Cathedral,” Sept. 24)

It was ever thus. When the massively beautiful Grand Mosque of Cordoba was enlarged in the 10th century, 19 naves opened onto a spreading courtyard, extending the worship hall’s columns outside into the rows of a citrus grove. This access to nature was closed off in the Middle Ages when the Roman Catholics took over the site for their own cathedral.

Of course, the mosque itself had been built over a Visigoth church, which was built over a Roman temple dedicated to Janus.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Carole Cooper, Manhattan Beach

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