CTA too confrontational?

The enclosed check represents my desire to continue on your mailing list and my reluctance to become a full-fledged member and sign the "We Are The Church: A Catholic Referendum." I share your concerns about the institutional church, and, for the most part, the CTA positions. However, I am uncomfortable with your sometimes confrontational approach, making ordination a primary goal, rather than a goal of the inclusion of women in the power structure of the church, and the pace of change urged. I do see some lessening of an earlier confrontational bent and I welcome that.
Mary Commins, Bethesda, MD

Solidarity with Lincoln CTA

Although I have intended to join CTA, I have been impelled even more to join in solidarity with the Lincoln chapter and to show my anger and protest against Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz's action in excommunicating members of CTA. Our bishops, especially the continuing appointment of more and more conservatives, refuse to recognize that the future of the Church is the laity who refuse to acquiesce to such bishops. I'm afraid that such bishops are not aware that Vatican II defined the church as the "People of God." What the bishops don't seem to recognize is that people are not walking but staying within "our" church to fight for "our" church. May clericalism soon die but I am afraid it won't. Our vocation as priests must be "servants" to the faithful.
Bill Mulligan, S.J., Boston, MA

But less attention to Lincoln's bishop
I am a loyal member of CTA,along with other Medical Mission Sisters. However, please, could you reduce the attention given to the bishop of Lincoln or any bishop with such "attitudes"? It does weary the spirit. Such actions by bishops will gradually disappear in the future. In the meantime let us build up the hearts and spirits of people and address the needy in our society. Let's call to action the folks to commit to service of the poor. Sr. Anne Cauzillo, MMS, Philadephia, PA

Hermit apologizes for persecuting CTA
I write this open letter to the members of CTA to sadly admit I have been wrong in my persecution of all CTA's efforts to change the Church. I am very sorry. Hermits spend their lives in prayer supporting the Church and the good people who are the Church. Somehow, without quite knowing how, I have found myself disobedient to my charism. I did not support all the people, only the hierarchy. For each and every nasty and sarcastic word I penned, I will do penance. I will, beginning today, devote the daily recitation of 15 decades of Our Lady' s Most Holy Rosary specifically for the personal intentions of all CTA members, and for the miraculous healing of all the terrible wounds inflicted upon the Body of Christ.
Patrick Benson, The Hermitage at Harmony Hill, Gamaliel, AK

The widow's mite?
I totally agree with your organization's goals. I wish I could send more but I'm in a wheelchair and only have my Social Security check to live on. I believe the Holy Spirit is with us and our beliefs.
Carolyn Pinto, Brattleboro, VT

Interfaith support
Warm Christian greetings ! For several years I have subscribed to and greatly appreciated reading the National Catholic Reporter. I am a Protestant Minister, deeply involved in ecumenical and justice-peace matters, and pray for and work with Roman Catholic brothers and sisters likewise involved. I am greatly impressed by the CTA National Conference to be held in Detroit, Nov. 15-17. The purpose, agenda and speakers are very inviting. Would I as a fellow Christian but a Protestant clergyman be welcome?
Lynn E. Hodges, Belgrade, MT

Gospel for prisoners
Our local Friends Meeting has put out a Good News for Everyone one-page flyer that anyone can duplicate. It especially appeals to prisoners, beginning with the lost sheep and lost coin stories, and the pearl of great price. Give one to prisoners in county jails. It is welcomed by prison chaplains who seek material that is easy to understand, universal, affordable and inspiring. Send s.a.s.e. to Friends (Quakers), 313 Castle St., Wilmington NC 28401.
Betty Stone, Wilmington, NC

Deceived by the Evil One
There is only one Catholic Church -- that is the one in Rome and led by John Paul II. Your Call To Action is not in any way representative of Jesus Christ's Church. His Bride which, as stated throughout Scripture, calls obedience more valuable than exerting one's own will. I'm so sorry you folks have been so deceived by the evil one. I continue to pray daily that your eyes and ears and hearts will be opened to the true teaching of Jesus and His Bride, the Roman Catholic Church.
Dolores Kurzdorfer, Amherst, NY