I am dismayed by the recent publication of James Carroll's anti-Catholic commentary, "A chance for a new papacy," March 6. Mr. Carroll labels retired Cardinal Keith O'Brien's opposition to homosexual activity as hypocrisy because it would appear the cardinal may have been himself guilty of that same activity. Mr. Carroll cites a 2005 Vatican directive reminding of the need for prudence in promoting to the priesthood candidates with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies."
I believe the issue is: Are the tendencies so deep seated as to presumably lead to homosexual activity?
The inclination, as such, the church does not condemn. The activity it leads to is something else.
Mr. Carroll then launches into carelessly calling opposition to contraceptives another hypocrisy. I suggest he read Mary Eberstadt's "Adam and Eve After the Pill" to debate the statistics of what havoc contraception has wreaked on our society. Again, it is axiomatic that no one can know another's true motivation. Yet Mr. Carroll professes to know the hierarchy's true motivation for promoting sexual morality. Of course, it couldn't possibly be inspired by the Gospel?
Edward J. Martin
Troy