Being Catholic

Re “Mahony bans Holocaust denier,” March 4

I admit that I, along with all Catholics, am in need of redemption. In fact, that is why I am a Catholic. Although I have never known any Catholics who have denied the Holocaust, I am not surprised to hear that they exist. However, I was never taught that believing in the Holocaust (as I do) was essential to being a Catholic. Is that in the creed?

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony is absolutely within his rights in prohibiting Bishop Richard Williamson from acting as a priest or bishop in his archdiocese. However, as erroneous as Williamson is regarding the Holocaust, he can still be a Catholic. If the ignorant were forbidden from being Catholics, none of us would qualify.

Jeremiah Flanigan

Long Beach