We All Have Our Own Opinions

Dear Ann Landers: I am an ex-Catholic, a former nun, wellversed in Catholic history, theology and scripture, and married to a Presbyterian to boot. My matron of honor was Jewish and the minister was Baptist.

I am sick and tired of religious nit-picking. I’ve invited my Presbyterian husband to step up and receive communion with me at Catholic churches and it has never been a problem. No priest can deny him or me that privilege. God is in charge, which is as it should be. - Ridgecrest, Calif.

Dear Ridgecrest: Thanks for the opening volley. I haven’t received so much combustible, high-octane mail since I started that national flap on how to hang toilet paper. Here are some other views.

Dear Ann: The policy of the Catholic Church to withhold communion from non-Catholics runs counter to Jesus’ instructions. Jesus excluded no one, not even the outcasts of society, such as tax collectors, prostitutes and adulteresses. For those who want proof, tell them it is all spelled out in the Scriptures. - Sykesville, Md.

From Los Angeles: I was amazed to read in your column that some non-Catholics think it is snobbishness or a “holier than thou” attitude that causes them to be excluded and not asked to step up and partake of communion at Catholic Mass. Please advise them that even Catholics who aren’t in a state of grace (those who haven’t been to Mass and been absolved of their sins) aren’t supposed to take communion. I suggest that people who don’t like the rules of the Catholic Church go somewhere else.

Lapeer, Mich.: I am a prisoner in the Michigan prison system. I became a Catholic after entering the system 11 years ago. I cannot understand why a non-Catholic would want to take communion if he or she does not fully accept the concept that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ at the time it is consecrated by the priest.

Amarillo, Texas: Who do you think you are, stirring up trouble in your column, getting people to argue about religion? I’m canceling my subscription to the paper.

Van Nuys, Calif.: Your Catholic “authority” needs to read up on his doctrine. The bread and wine are NOT symbols. At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “This is my body, and this is my blood.” And that is exactly what he meant.

Kansas City, Mo.: I promised to become a Missouri Synod Lutheran when I became engaged to my husband. The minister told me he was glad I joined because if I hadn’t, I would have gone to hell. My husband and I were so incensed that we left and became Unitarians.

Boston: Each denomination has its rules, and they should be respected. One would not expect a Baptist boy to be allowed to have a bar mitzvah, so why should people of all denominations be permitted to receive communion at a Catholic Church?

Dearborn, Mich.: Of course I believe Catholicism is the only true religion. I would not attend Mass every Sunday and sacrifice to send my children to Catholic school if I did not believe in it with all my heart. To welcome non-believers to join us would be blasphemous. This is the way it has been for 2,000 years. Anyone who wishes to receive communion in the Catholic Church is welcome, but they must first join us in faith.

Dear Readers: Do you know when YOUR religion was founded and why? Tomorrow, I’m going to tell you. There will be some surprises.