Francis Debernardo’s article, “Fired for Being Gay” (Vol. XXXV No. 2), on how the church is turning Catholics away is so true and so sad. What a pity that the church pushes its gay members out the door. Can’t the institutional church see how this hurts the church itself? She would benefit greatly by their gifts of faith, love, hope and service.

I’m a 72-year-old mother of nine who has been “hanging in there” with the Catholic church since the sixties. Over the years I have been active in many parish ministries, but never have I witnessed such strong living faith as I do now by worshipping with a faith community made up of Catholics—gay and straight, men and women. In spite of the discrimination and degradation these gay Catholics have received from the church, they love the Mass, the sacraments and their Catholic faith. Rather than turn their backs on the church, they’ve sought to build a community of tolerance, diversity and love. Their spirituality and commitment to Jesus is truly inspirational. I am so blessed and grateful to worship with them.

The Catholic hierarchy will someday change its policies of discrimination and degradation. Pope Francis has opened the door. As cited in the article, young people are our best hope. But why must we wait for new generations?

PEGGY HANNA
Springfield, Ohio