Letters: S.F. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone speaks the truth on COVID, abortion, gay marriage – San Francisco Chronicle
Regarding “Pelosi hits back at faith, abortion” (Bay Area, Sept. 24): The Chronicle slams Catholic Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone for “speaking out not only against abortion but also against same-sex marriage and coronavirus restrictions on gathering for worship.” But an archbishop who speaks the truth is unpopular, especially in a city like San Francisco.
There is the notion among critics of the Christian faith that the church is still living in the first century and the time has come for it to distance itself from the past. The church has been wrong about abortion and marriage for 2,000 years, or so it is believed, and the Bible is irrelevant.
But suppose the critics are wrong. Suppose the Bible is not the myth it is purported to be, and there is such a thing as sin, hell and judgment.
Then what?
Brian Stuckey, Denver
My heart is in S.F.
Regarding “Good riddance, S.F. — New York, here I come” (Datebook, Sept. 28): Of Michelle Kobler’s ungracious and insulting exit rant I say, “Good riddance to bad rubbish and don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” You just trot right back to the Big Apple and grab a bagel and forget all about us. Rest assured, you’ll not be missed.
Having just returned from a month-long stay back East, I’m once again overjoyed to be home. I count myself among the luckiest of the lucky to live here, inspired daily by the creativity, imagination and natural beauty that abounds. I love sitting in the freezing fog with all the horns blowing!
Candace Forest, San Francisco
Allow spirited driving
I’ve decided that I agree with the religious exemption regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. No one should be expected to do something (or abstain from doing something), if their religious beliefs conflict with that requirement or restriction. In that spirit (forgive the pun), I’ve decided to apply for a religious exemption for myself and my family.
As worshipers and followers of Bacchus, a.k.a. Dionysus, we believe that we should be permitted to drive while intoxicated. According to our interpretation of the Bacchus faith, intoxication is a state of grace, and we know therefore that we drive better when drunk. I understand that some might feel that driving while intoxicated (like refusing to be vaccinated), can potentially endanger others, but that’s not my concern.
My beliefs come first. I also understand that I will be expected to prove or demonstrate my devotion to this religion, and so I’m prepared to allow an examiner to view the copious contents of my wine cellar and liquor cabinet as evidence of our deeply held convictions in this matter.
Ethan Karp, Berkeley
Vaccinations effect all
Dear Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors: You’re on record of responding to a reporter’s question about your COVID vaccination status with a dismissive, “It’s none of your business.” Really? The car I drive is none of your or anyone else’s business. However, if I drive that car through your neighborhood and it has no brakes, profusely leaks gasoline or poses some other vehicular safety hazard, it’s very much your business — as it should be. I trust that simile isn’t lost on you, Mr. Wiggins. Please reconsider your position on vaccination — doing so is literally a matter of life and death.
Jerry Steach, Mountain View
Bikers, avoid sidewalks
Regarding “Keep bikes off sidewalks” (Letters, Sept. 28): I wholeheartedly agree! We should keep bikes off sidewalks. Fellow bikers, pedestrians are our natural allies in transforming our city from a car-centric to a person-centric vision. So, please, be considerate and avoid annoying them.
And, let’s remind ourselves that behavior follows design. Riding on the sidewalk becomes the common sense thing to do too often. Bikers often ride on the sidewalk when the roadway channels high-speed cars close to bikes or is one-way in the opposite direction. What if riding on the road was simply the most attractive option? For instance, we could build more continuous protected bikeways or build two-way bike lanes on one-way car streets.
Stuart Collins, San Francisco