Taxpayer Money for California Missions

I was really taken aback at Patt Morrison’s Dec. 8 commentary, “Money for Missions: Keep the Faith, Baby,” supporting taxpayer financing of California missions. Granted, they do have historical value, but does she realize that all but two of them are still used as churches? Such federal support means the money would not only pay for renovation but also for prayer books, candles and whatever else the church deems necessary to propagate the faith.

As a compromise, why can’t the two missions now used as museums be supported by taxpayers and the others supported through private funding? The ACLU is quite correct in noting that this is a clear violation of separation of church and state.

Paul Ricci

Cypress

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Morrison’s commentary is a well-balanced portrayal of how America is beginning to shed its reactionary, anti-religious views. We have not fully matured though until faith-based organizations are treated equally in receiving recognition and funding for the work we do for the community -- without regard to the faith or background of the recipient. Today most of our organizations perform our services for those in need with no thought of proselytizing or discriminating.

Let’s all of us -- private, public and faith-based organizations -- try to mature with equanimity, sophistication and civility.

Ken Martinet

President/CEO Catholic

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Los Angeles