The Man in the Pew
Sir: As one of the former priests about whom you so realistically wrote [Feb. 23], I wish to affirm your findings. The ordinary "John Doe" Catholic, educated by the structure, has had very little understanding of the problems within his ecclesiastical home. His approach to the priest has been obsequious, only because that is the way we trained him. He has looked at the priest as a celestial magician, and cannot fathom the exodus as anything but the work of the devil.
With the help of articles like yours, the man in the pew may be able to see that the problems of the church today are his problems. He is the church.
RICHARD T. MCDONALD
Elizabeth, N.J.
Sir: Your "Catholic Exodus" article was right on. We especially concur with the comments you published concerning secular employment. The former clergymen we have placed are indeed highly qualified, and the jobs they obtain are an important part of the transition process.
In the area of sexuality, however, we have found that it is a much more vital factor than you imply. In fact, for 80% of our Catholic clergy clients, sexual involvement is, as we have labeled it in our study, the precipitating cause of their departure. Not so for the Protestant clergymen. Contrarily, it is often the lack of sexual involvement—in terms of marital tension and divorce—that triggers the minister's move. On the surface, this seems to back up Pope Paul's present position on celibacy. But as you point out, the problem is more complex than that.
MICHAEL DONAHOE
EARL BLUE
Co-Authors of the Earl Blue Report on Clergy Disaffection
Earl Blue Associates
San Francisco
Sir: In 1966 I was internationally classified as "the most defiant priest" for having declared my marriage. My wife and I never dreamed that so much would happen so soon. Today, as "father" of the fathers who have married, I can only say, "How sweet it is." Vindication, that is. (THE REV.) ANTHONY J. GIRANDOLA
President
National Association of Married Priests
Annapolis, Md.
Sir: You ask: "And just as a practical matter, how could the church today provide the funds to support the families of priests?" Surely you must be kidding. Income from the Roman Catholic Church holdings could keep it solvent if it never passed the collection plate. Could be that the church no longer needs the people.
CHRIS ROFER
San Diego
Sir: My departure from the Protestant parish ministry made many wonder if I had "given up on God." Quite the contrary. I simply wanted to go where the action is, not remain where it used to be.
(THE REV.) WALTER SMITH
Atlanta
Sir: John opened the door slightly to let in the light. Shannon and Caspary and their ilk have made off with the hinges.
E. L. OWEN JR.
Valhalla, N.Y.
Sir: I can understand to some extent the exodus and the reasons you ascribe for it. I cannot comprehend the utter rejection of the ancient church in bitterness by those who formerly served it. It's almost like renouncing one's mother just because she's a bit behind the times.
F. J. CUANA
Norwalk, Conn.
Judging the Judge