Catholic dialogue

ARCHBISHOP SEAN O'Malley says that when we Catholics disagree with our bishops, ''there needs to be dialogue and we need to listen to each other" (''In interview, archbishop cites 'vow of obedience,' " March 19). Yet in practice, when the bishops decide to close parishes, or condemn gay marriage and adoptions, or make other decisions with which most Catholics disagree, the bishops never consult with the laity. They just dismiss laity concerns as being influenced by secular culture. To the bishops, listening is a one-way street: They talk, and laity are to just pay, pray, and obey.

WILLIAM HALE
Hyde Park