Exodus from the church

"Catholics lose more members than any other group" (NCR, March 7) reminded me of another striking exodus. More priests have left active ministry in the church than are currently ministering, yet no one in the leadership ranks of the hierarchy has launched an inquiry as to why their exodus. If the hierarchy can allow more than 50,000 priests, ordained at great expense, to leave active ministry, all the while bemoaning the shortage of clergy but without caring to ask the question why, what makes anyone think that they will care to ask the why for departing Catholics who have likewise voted with their feet?

PAUL J. ACKERMAN

Columbus, Miss.

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