The Catholic Church must let in the light It feels so good to hear the truth from my church, Cathedral of Mary Our Queen

I nodded in complete agreement with everything Dan Rodricks wrote in his commentary today on fallen-off Catholics and the clergy abuse scandal “The clergy abuse scandal is huge, but one of many issues for us fallen-off Catholics,” May 9).

Almost 40 years ago when I was in my mid-20s, I converted to Roman Catholicism because I was looking for something deeper in religion than the Protestantism in which I grew up. Only after I was confirmed did I begin to see the arrogant paternalism in some of the clergy I met and the cynicism about the clergy among many laity I encountered.

I didn’t like the clergy arrogance, and I didn’t understand the cynicism until I began to date a man on leave from seminary who was testing his vocation. I sat with him on several occasions at mass in a prominent Catholic Church downtown. He repeatedly told me about the clergy we saw serving who were gay and in relationships. He also introduced me to some of his friends who were still in seminary — all talking about celibacy as though it were a suggestion rather than as a requirement of being a Catholic priest.

I was naively appalled with what I heard and saw. I perceived the source of cynicism I saw in some laity: It came from Catholic clergy who themselves were cynical.

We didn’t date long. He went back to seminary and was eventually ordained. I fled the Catholic Church after only three years and later joined another denomination that also has a deep spiritual tradition, which affirms LGBTQ people, and which ordains women.

I’ve watched, as an outsider with inside perspectives, the Catholic Church’s unfolding sexual abuse scandal these many years. I got a glimpse of Catholic clergy culture, and therefore the extent of the cover-up and complicity by high ranking Catholic clergy doesn’t surprise me.

I’ve had the privilege in subsequent years of meeting a few Catholic priests who are honorable and decent men, but I also continue to witness the deep hypocrisy and cynicism among many Catholic clergy.

It’s said that repression breeds pestilence. Repression of truth, love, decency and honor has led to a pestilence within the Catholic Church. To paraphrase Pope John XXIII, it’s time the Catholic Church again opened its windows to let in cleansing, purifying light.

This has been a difficult time for Catholics in Baltimore. The Attorney General report was detailed and deeply troubling. The messaging from the archbishop and other Baltimore archdiocesan officials was very troubling and disturbing and totally unacceptable.

I was surprised when I attended Saturday afternoon Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on

April 29. The pastor, Father Louis Bianco, addressed the issue with no programmed defense. Father Bianco presented the facts acknowledging the damage done by members of Church officialdom. It was such a relief — no excuses and no blaming the victims. I started attending Mass at the Cathedral as I was so disgusted by the take the pastor of my local parish took on this issue. It was pure spin. I think that Father Bianco is a great priest. He’s brave enough to hear my confession, and he always makes excellent points in reply.

The young Assistant Pastor Father Justin Gough always gives a thought provoking homilies as does Deacon Fritz Bauerschmidt. The Director of Music Julie Males provides an exciting musical program with very talented cantors. The young organist Cameron Kuzepski is a remarkable talent.

Father Bianco has assembled a great team. My only criticism has to do with incense — too much of it.

I have the greatest respect for Father Bianco as I see him as a true hard working pastor. He as truly found his niche. It feels so good to hear the truth from my Church. I wish the best to Father Bianco and his staff including those behind the scenes.

— Edward McCarey McDonnell, Baltimore