The Catholic Register - Readers Speak Out

Written by Catholic Register Readers,

More light, please

Maria di Paolo seems overcome with dislike of Douglas Farrow and his book, A Nation of Bastards: Essays on the End of Marriage (“A disturbing challenge to gay marriage,” Nov. 18). It’s rare to see a book review label an author “venomous.”

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to extract any information about the book from di Paolo’s review, other than the fact that she clearly dislikes the book and its author. For instance she suggests that Farrow’s use of the word “normalize” indicates that he could be hinting that homosexual relationships, rather than heterosexual ones, might become the “norm” in Canada. This seems a bit far-fetched. It’s much more likely that Farrow means that the legalization of same-sex marriage will help cause homosexual relationships to be considered normal, i.e. not out of the ordinary. This is hardly a controversial thing to say.

In fact, proponents of same-sex marriage have made the very same claim, using the very same word.

I’m afraid I don’t know very much more about Farrow’s book after reading di Paolo’s review than I did before, and that disappoints me. I know this issue elicits strong feelings on both sides, and I respect that, but I still can’t help thinking it would have been better if di Paolo’s review could have shed a little more light, and a little less heat.

John DiMarco
Brampton, Ont.

Use proper photos

I am both a subscriber to The Catholic Register and a member of the Canadian Forces. I have noticed in recent copies of The Register (Oct. 28 and Dec. 2 issues) that there have been articles regarding our commitment in Afghanistan.

My comment is not in respect with the words within those articles but to the pictures depicted with them.

Your staff continues to use a photograph of an American soldier in these articles which pertain to the actions of Canadian soldiers. I am sure you would be equally disturbed if in an article about the Catholic clergy it pictured Anglican priests.

If you are going to weigh into the debate on Afghanistan at least be educated or thorough enough in your presentation to depict Canadian soldiers when you are discussing them.

Robert P.M. Talach
Master Warrant Officer
London, Ont.

Story was inspiring

“I love being Catholic” (Register, Dec. 2) is a wonderful, inspiring story about the way God works to bring people to our faith. Thanks to Elena Feick for sharing the story of her faith journey with us.

Claudine Goller
Scarborough, Ont.

Celebrate love

With the excitement of the Christmas season fast approaching, it brings back memories of my childhood and memories that have remained with me through my life.

Christmas is truly a religious tradition to celebrate the Birth of Christ. It should live on forever, and the meaning of Christmas should always be to celebrate Christ, family and love.

Rita Runstedler
St. Clements, Ont.

Attendance increase?

I am saddened to hear of the Anglican dioceses, one by one, adopting the theology of blessing gay and lesbian marriage (“Anglican Church on the brink?” Dec. 9). The consequences of the splintering effects this is having seems of little importance, as they race to embrace their gay brothers and sisters.

However, I would expect their congregations are experiencing a noticeable increase in attendance by an appreciative gay community, for this great sacrifice they are making.

Eugene Murphy
Peterborough, Ont.

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