State separates some churches from the rest

Re “Antiwar Sermon Brings IRS

Warning,” Nov. 7

As a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, I was angered, but not surprised, by Rector J. Edwin Bacon’s announcement Sunday that the IRS is investigating the church for its unwavering peace and justice message.

Given the various means this administration has used to harass those who disagree with its policies, it was probably just a matter of time before a congregation that has consistently stood against this immoral war was targeted. I could not, therefore, but be struck by the irony of the juxtaposition of the article about All Saints with another front-page article, “Abortion Proposition Finds Its Forum in the Churches” (Nov. 7).

Can we soon expect to see an FBI probe of those parishes that included a “Yes on 73” flier in their church bulletins? I won’t hold my breath.

LAURIE A. BRAND

Los Angeles

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Hey IRS, I’ve got a juicy lead for you. My church leaders previously said they would deny communion to anyone voting in favor of abortion rights. I think this is enough proof to jeopardize their tax-exempt status, wouldn’t you agree? Call me if you need more political tittle-tattle on other groups.

CESAR MADRID

Orange

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Preaching peace and decrying the plight of the poor has become, in the eyes of the current administration, too political for religion. Apparently, “separation of church and state” now means separation of those churches that don’t support the state. What or who is next?

DAVID FERTIG

Carcassonne, France