READER FEEDBACK: Are the social stands of a candidate's religion legitimate campaign issues? City Edition

• Published in: The Boston globe
• Main Author: COMPILED BY MAUREEN GOGGIN
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, Mass Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC 30.09.1994
• ISSN: 0743-1791

Some 800 readers came to grips with this question, with 55 percent insisting, more or less, that religious issues have no place in an electoral campaign. "I firmly believe religion is a personal affair and it should not be mixed with politics," said one. "Our Constitution precludes a religious test for office, and Sen. Kennedy should know this," said another. The thrust of the opposing view was represented by this reader's comment: "If the religious views contain racial prejudice and bigotry and exclude women, especially if the candidate is committed to that religion and lives his life by its teachings, then those views can become a problem with social policy." NOTE: This is an opinion sample, not a scientific poll. I believe that the social stands of a candidate's religion are legitimate campaign issues -- particularly if the candidate believes strongly in his religion. In that case, the social stands of that religion will more than likely affect his views on social issues and therefore will affect the public. BARBARA CARROLL Lexington I feel that government and religion are supposed to be separate. [Ted Kennedy] has no right to bring up anything about religion, especially since he was in the government when subjects like taking religion out of the schools and out of meetings were considered. He ought to clean up his own yard first. CHICKI RIGAZIO Chelmsford