Vatican Declaration Disturbing, Welcome

* Re “Vatican Declares Catholicism Sole Path to Salvation,” Sept. 6: I was born Catholic and will probably die a Catholic. I grew up with priests in my family and was taught by nuns for 12 years. The issues I’ve had with my church are numerous. But I’ve always felt that it was like a dysfunctional family, and you don’t leave your family because it has problems. However, this last “declaration” by the Vatican, stating that other religions are “gravely deficient” and have “defects,” is quite disturbing and, honestly, breaks my heart. However, like any institution run by human beings and exclusively by men, mistakes will be made. My apologies to all other religions.

JANE BOVE

Fountain Valley

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As a doctoral student in ecumenical and interreligious theology whose dissertation is “The Presence of Sacramental Grace in Non-Christian Rituals,” I welcome the Vatican declaration. My research has been confronted with a cacophony of divergent theological voices ranging from syncretism to philosophies of parallel theologies, all speaking in the name of the Catholic Church. This much-needed declaration sets to rest any ambiguities in the position of the church.

The church has only restated the same position that all religious traditions in their orthodoxy believe about themselves. Muzammil Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Society of North America, was the only person The Times quoted who was honest enough to admit so. The goal of interreligious dialogue is not to compromise, water down and reduce religions to their least common denominator. Rather, it is to develop an understanding of our differences with respect, dignity and love for the other. Pope John Paul II’s outreach to other religions is a shining example of this endeavor.

FATHER VIVIAN BEN LIMA

Pontifical North American College

Rome

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In response to this article, I will repeat what has been said in my family for many, many years, “Thank God for Henry VIII.”

NANCY MUELLER

Ojai