Letter of the Day: Doctrine and charity

Doctrine and charity

EDITOR: Bishop Robert Vasa clearly relishes the role of provocateur ("Catholic program on gays draws criticism," Friday). Whether it is his ill-conceived loyalty oaths for Catholic school teachers or his endorsement of the homophobic and sensationalist "Courage" group, he seems to enjoy kicking up the dirt and gaining the spotlight, while vilifying and insulting particular members of his faith community.

With all the trouble the Catholic Church has been having of late, it is astonishing to me that Bishop Vasa would continue to demonstrate such intransigence and arrogance. Vasa insists that it is Catholic doctrine alone that guides him, but perhaps the bishop should be reminded that doctrine, devoid of charity, is really no doctrine at all.

BRIAN GEAGAN

Healdsburg