I am a 1975 graduate of St. Bernard High school. I remember great friends, inspiring teachers, and a very good education. (“St. Bernard School to be sold to fund Norwich Diocese bankruptcy,” Jan. 18)

By the time my younger daughter asked to go in 2004, I was reluctant due to already becoming disillusioned with Catholicism and the Catholic Church. One reason is the disgraceful handling of the pedophile problem that has necessitated this sale, but also the hypocrisy of the church’s harmful and misogynistic stands on abortion choice, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and women in general.

My daughter did attend St. Bernard’s, and also had a great overall experience. But neither of us consider ourselves Catholics anymore. She suggested maybe the school could become a regional center for Buddhist studies. I like the idea, but maybe take it even further to include Indigenous studies, and other more relevant religions too.

I currently would call myself a Humanist, and am a member of All Soul’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Maybe St. Bernard’s and Catholicism have served their purpose, and religions that emphasize peace, diversity, the environment, and a global community can have their chance to save us, and make the world better for ALL people.

Tony Rose

Noank