Admonition to Officeholders

Your editorial, wherein you berate Archbishop Mahony for an “unwelcome clerical intrusion” into the political process correctly states that, “No one imagines that lawmakers can or should ignore the voice of their own convictions.” But, you then proceed to decry the right of a religious leader to speak out on moral issues.

Who is better qualified to speak out on moral issues than our religious leaders, particularly those who are outstanding in their faith and doctrine? Should they not provide guidance for the formation of solid moral convictions of our politicians as well as others? Or, should the moral convictions of individuals be based on ignorance or even immorality? For example, would you restrict eminent scientists from discussing nuclear physics or medical researchers from expounding on the causes of human physical illness?

Recent events on the political scene suggest to me that our country is crying out for greater morality in politics, not less!

H.D. ANSLOW

Encino