Behind the ScenesFrom the perspective of a Catholic convert from evangelicalism, I think that “Worship at Willow Creek,” by Laurie Ziliak (2/3), chooses to focus only on the good in this worship style. What I and many others experienced was not all fun and songs.In many evangelical commu

The Colbert Family“Truth and Truthiness,” by Patrick R. Manning (2/3), is a fine piece on Stephen Colbert. I was a fellow altar boy, schoolmate and lifelong friend of his father, James W. Colbert, M.D. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., and Yale Medical Scho

Who Is Incoherent?Re “A.C.L.U. v. U.S.C.C.B.” (Current Comment, 1/20): The editors dismiss the A.C.L.U. lawsuit but ignore the facts alleged in the complaint. The plaintiff’s case was allegedly one of at least five cases in that hospital system, discovered by a public health educat

A.D.A. Writ LargeRe “Dignity of the Disabled” (Editorial, 1/20): I offer my sincere thanks to America for addressing the needs and rights of people with disabilities, and exhorting U.S. legislators to rectify the wrong and bring the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilit

The Gun Control LobbyRe “Inexcusable Inaction” (Editorial, 12/9): I am deeply touched by the clarity and passion with which the editors have pursued the idiocy of our current gun law impasse. In sympathy with this cause, I have a plan to achieve victory.Right now legislators are reluctan

A Head Start“Saving the Humanities,” by Raymond A. Schroth, S.J. (12/23), addresses a most important topic. Many of the reports cited expand the discussion to secondary education, and one report discusses the whole educational continuum. To even start to develop oneself into a fully educ

Open the Doors“The Continuing Crisis,” by Jon Fuller, S.J., M.D. (12/2), addresses important issues and appropriately recognizes terrific work Catholics are doing to combat H.I.V./AIDS. That being said, as a young Catholic working in the H.I.V./AIDS community, I believe important questio

To Heal the SufferingRe “Healing Communities” (Editorial, 12/2): Bravo. While we still have more questions than answers, the science behind the causes of mental illness has come a long way in the last 30 years. Understanding the chemistry of the brain and its disorders is many orders of

An Absurd ActI very much appreciate “A President for Peace” (11/18), the fine reflection by James W. Douglass. It is wise and insightful. But I must disagree with his assertion that President Kennedy was assassinated as a consequence of his peace policies. The simple passage of time has

All Called to ServeThanks to America for including women in the discussions about the role of women in the church. Our church has to play catch-up on years and decades of neglect. Young Catholic women walk away from the official Catholic Church and use their talents and gifts to serve their families