In Theory:

Recently, the remains of a few animals have been found in Newport Beach. Officials say they were likely beheaded as part of a Santería religious ceremony that includes animal sacrifice. Authorities say they won’t intervene because the courts have protected this sort of practice. What do you think of this and should the law regulate this sort of ritual?

Rituals like this seem strange to the uninformed. They shock our sense of propriety and for most — including myself — we tend to recoil at such practices. But the courts seem to have explored the legal rights of those who perform these rituals, and law enforcement can’t really do anything unless a crime is committed.

The part that concerns me is the use of public property to perform these rituals or dump the animals used. I think that is a crime and should be investigated.

But let’s be clear: In many global cultures rituals like these are standard practice. They are centuries old and, irrespective of how we feel about them, they have deep roots in our collective unconscious.

Different cultures who have integrated into the fabric of our country will probably have to drop or change some of their rituals. But those changes might take a few generations.

Pastor Jim Turrell

The Center for Spiritual Living Newport-Mesa

I have to admit that this question challenges me, and I struggle to find an appropriate answer. I believe in religious freedom to the extent that it does not infringe upon others’ rights. This tugs at my heart strings because it appears to be an animal rights issue and I do not think cruelty to animals should be tolerated.

However, I likewise do not believe that I should impose my beliefs onto others. It looks like the police reported that there was no sign of injury, simply death. This is a tough call. Paul Apodaca, an assistant professor at Chapman University, made an important point regarding the removal of the dead animals: Had it been a religious ritual, more care would have been given to the disposal of sacrificed animals.

If this were not a religious sacrifice, then clearly those doing the beheading were making a mockery of the ritual and hiding behind religion to mask their cruelty. I have mixed feelings about this. It is worth further investigation and discussion.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

Costa Mesa