Catholic Church Warns Dissenting Politicians

Re “Church May Penalize Politicians,” Nov. 29: Parishioners and clergy within the Catholic Church certainly have the right to refuse to distinguish the difference between public policy and official church doctrine. That is their prerogative. Just as it is my prerogative, by virtue of the fact that I am a Catholic who happens to live in a democracy, to have differing opinions.

As a Catholic, I fully support the secular government of the United States, a government that will not be beholden to the tenets of any one faith, but rather a government that represents the will of the people. If my political beliefs constitute grounds for excommunication, so be it.

Kristen L. Merrell

Irvine

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The Catholic Church has its own “in-house” scandal, declining membership and a worldwide priest shortage. Yet it has the audacity to suggest it might penalize members (politicians) for having their own thoughts about an issue. I have the same message for the bishops as I do for President Vicente Fox in Mexico: Clean up your own house before you criticize others.

Jo-Anne Collins

Fountain Valley