Widening the gap

The following letter to the editor of the Scranton Times Tribune appeared on March 9, 2009:

Widening the gap

Editor:

Two recent “Your Opinion” letters concerning Bishop Martino evidenced good thought and honest sentiment:

In a Feb. 27 letter, “Personal Agenda,” Lisa Lopatofsky expressed her frustration with the bishop’s political rhetoric and his lack of support through inclusion and compassion resulting in alienation.The March 3 letter by Scott McKenna, M.D., stated that “Christ would not want us to close our eyes to diversity or spurn those whose beliefs were not the same.

”Time, easier access and more exposure to the varied forms of media have contributed to the current unrest within Catholicism as a whole. Fortunately, we are all being challenged to review the tenets of our faith, the depth of our beliefs and the strengths and weaknesses of those who are supposed to guide us.

Our current bishop has done an excellent job of widening the cracks in the local Catholic community.

His directives, tirades and rhetoric have wounded and alienated many. He replaces compassion and truth with tirades and judgments. He surpasses the skills of some politicians when it comes to “spinning a yarn.” Unfortunately he also pits parishioner against parishioner as with his warning to eucharistic ministers.

In essence, he underestimates the intelligence and depth of faith that lives in the minds and hearts of so many.

We can all pray for his transfer and hopefully, a quick end to his campaign for the level of cardinal.

MARY LLEWELLYN
MONTROSE