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Letters to the Editor

More reactions to ‘Conclave’

David Hennon • Nov 18, 2024
After watching “Conclave” and reading the Angelus review in the Nov. 1 issue, I wonder if I watched a different movie. I was encouraged by some of my Protestant friends to watch. They had a positive view of the representation of the Catholic Church and appreciated the human portrayal of the cardinals in their differing struggles, and especially the theme that certainty is the opposite of faith. Also, I would note that “intersex” does not mean just a biological woman, and such a description is inaccurate/incomplete. — David Hennon, La Cañada

A fallible review of ‘Conclave’

Julie Schap • Nov 04, 2024
I’m a practicing Catholic and movie lover who has seen “Conclave” twice (in packed theaters) since it came out. The critical review of the movie in the Nov. 1 issue was hard to read and even more difficult to relate to, suggesting everything Catholic is good and all criticism is bad. My opinion was different: I don’t worship the Church, I worship God, and I don’t see the clergy as infallible. I believe God is big enough to forgive the worst sinner, accept the fallibility of our priests (including cardinals), and loves each of us fearlessly. I found “Conclave” to be an inspiring movie that didn’t deserve the critique it received. — Julie Schap, Memphis, TN

A third party thinking exercise

Marilyn Boussaid • Nov 04, 2024
Thank you for James G. Hanink’s essay on “Building a home for the ‘politically homeless’ ” in the Nov. 1 issue.  It is important for everyone to be aware that there is a third party that represents more fully the teachings of the Catholic Church. Even though American Solidarity Party presidential candidate Peter Sonski is not yet well known, it’s important for voters to clarify in their own minds what to look for in a political platform.  — Marilyn Boussaid, St. James, Redondo Beach

Who abandoned whom?

Fritz Baumgartner, MD • Nov 04, 2024
Did U.S. politics abandon Catholics in 2024? Perhaps we should ask whether Western culture in general, and progressive theologians in particular, abandoned authentic Catholicism in the 1960s. The undeniable revolution permeates our current moral sensibilities six decades later.   — Fritz Baumgartner, MD, Los Angeles

The other side of the abuse settlement

Timothy Harris • Oct 21, 2024
News of the Archdiocese of LA’s sex abuse settlement announced Oct. 16 and reported on AngelusNews.com got a conflicted reaction from me. One on hand, it suggests a measure of accountability for the heinous crimes committed by people who had the highest level of trust from Catholic parents and children. But I cannot help but be disgusted by how our elected officials, like Gov. Newsom and the legislators who passed AB 218, took advantage of the “Me Too” movement to open the statute of limitations … again. By doing so, they gave California plaintiffs’ lawyers the boon of a lifetime to get rich from allegations that were often probably questionable and thinly detailed, and help tear down the Church in the process. I wonder how many of those 1,353 cases would have stood up in an actual trial. I’m all for sackcloth and ashes for the Church’s sins, but the injustices don’t end there. — Timothy Harris, West LA

Underselling this month’s synod

Diane Collison • Oct 07, 2024
After reading Elise Allen’s preview of the October 2024 Synod of Bishops on Synodality “A Flat Finish?,” I have some questions.   When was the last time the Catholic Church dared to raise the issues for open discussion such as: the relationship between the Eastern Catholic Church and the Latin Church; revision of documents for priestly formation and the role of bishops; vocal confession of such sins as those committed against women; forums including a woman theologian and a woman on canon law?   A “flat finish?” Respectfully, it sounds to me like Pope Francis is just warming up. — Diane Collison, Broomfield, CO

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