In praise of letters

I have long considered the letters section of any newspaper or magazine to be among its most valuable assets, providing readers the opportunity to express their own views as well as to learn how other readers feel about current issues. I am constantly amazed at NCR's open-mindedness and willingness to print letters that disagree with church policy or with editorial opinions. Dom Tomasso's letter (NCR, Nov. 24) reminded me that such tolerance on controversial matters is not universal. As reported by Mr. Tomasso, the monthly Catholic publication in Tucson, Ariz., has been advised by Bishop Gerald Kicanas to delete the letters section because readers should not be exposed to criticism of the diocese and its "costly failures that total close to $50 million." This head-in-the-sand attitude is the very reason that the failures have reached such massive proportions. When the people in the pews are not allowed to question the actions of the people in the pulpits, the result is a secret society and the secrets eventually overshadow all the good that the organization has accomplished.

In the Camden, N.J., diocese, to which my parish belongs, the weekly Catholic publication is also reluctant to print letters that question authority or challenge policy. The letters section is brief and consists of noncontroversial topics or tributes to local figures or organizations. I read it more to know what's happening in the churches than in the church. Please keep the letters section in NCR open to all.

ANN DOW

Thorofare, N.J.

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