Where Is the Dignity?
To the Editor: I sympathize with Gerald L. Zelizer when he wonders whether the clergy has much influence left, particularly when a minister or rabbi is instructed before a wedding or a funeral to ”make it short” (Op-Ed, May 27). But members of the clergy have abused their position in front of captive audiences, and are suffering the consequences. I cannot count the times I’ve attended meticulously planned wedding ceremonies only to have the mood of dignity broken by a jocular, rambling and lengthy homily that belonged in premarital counseling, if anywhere.
