Respect for others views needed

by Letters Editor · May 15, 2014

From Cecil Cullen, Alberton

In recent times, there have appeared a few letters, many of which may be attributed to one source, where the spirit of compassion and charity is sadly lacking.

At one time the comments section of The Southern Cross� website became so heated and lacking in civility that the editor, rightly in my opinion, discontinued it. Is it not possible to disagree with fellow Catholics without condemning them to eternal damnation?

Not one of your correspondents may lay claim to being infallible, and yet their viewpoints are put forward as just that, not to be questioned!

The issue of homosexuality has already been adequately responded to by Chuck Harrison (April 2) and Gabriella Broccardo (April 9), as has the slur on the name of that holy man, Archbishop Denis Hurley.

Words such as �accursed� when referring to a Southern African bishops� directive, and the astounding theory that God would condemn to damnation a man innocent of intended sin, is completely unacceptable to me, and to clergy I have consulted.

Here, I would suggest reference to the Catholic Catechism for the definition of a �serious� sin (article 1859). Or perhaps a god has been created who differs from the compassionate, merciful one in whom I have been taught to believe.

By all means let us disagree, let us promote our viewpoints � that is what the letters page is all about. We should all be able to learn from the sharing of these opinions, not to have them shoved down our throats or to have uncharitable statements about persons no longer in a position to defend themselves.

Charity, please � respect for the other person�s view.

Not one of us has a direct line to God; we all pursue our salvation by searching.