Dear Tell All: Your letter writer All Prayed Out despaired of authoritarian tactics in the local Catholic diocese and considered staying away from church ("Losing My Religion," 5/25/2012). She's not the only one who would like to see Bishop Robert Morlino in the dunk tank for his response to dissenters in Platteville and other such iron-fisted policies. Do not give up your faith. Keep going to church and make that Mass your time with Christ. No one, not the bishop nor the pope, can tell you what to believe and how to worship. They cannot take the Spirit from you. Remember we all represent Christ and the church, not just the clergy.
Still Catholic
Dear Tell All: If All Prayed Out has qualms about disagreeing with Bishop Morlino, she is not alone. Many more have voiced differences with this dogmatic man and received summary dismissals. Even though he is a consecrated prelate, one should not fear his wrath. He is just a man with some parochial powers. We do still have free will and a conscience that permits anyone to question a bishop's motivation and management skills.
Bishop Morlino has stonewalled the parishioners in Platteville, when they knew best what was necessary for their church and school. Morlino's refusal to reassign two ultra-conservative priests has led to the closing of the elementary school and en masse departure of Mass attendees. Apparently, Bishop Morlino never learned the management skills of negotiation, and his "company" has suffered greatly because of it.
Clear Conscience
Dear Tell All: God bless All Prayed Out for her courage. My husband and I feel as she does (as do our friends) but dare not say so for fear this vindictive, egotistical bully of a bishop would transfer our wonderful pastor in retaliation. We cling to the sacraments and to our pastor's example of a loving Christ-like priest. We cringe if we are asked if we are Catholic because we do not want to be identified with this hierarchy, and yet what choice do we have?
Also Prayed Out
