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Letter: Kerry obligated in a democracy

Thursday, July 8, 2004 | 8:51 a.m.

The July 6 letter from Glen Gillette, headlined "Kerry should be denied sacrament," is not only misinformed, it is offensive, not only to Catholics like myself, but also to anyone who has any understanding of the concept of separation of church and state.

For example, when the pope speaks on matters that are not ecclesiastical or church dogma, he speaks "ex cathedra." It is nothing more than his opinion. Similarly, when Sen. John Kerry, or any politician for that matter, speaks on issues that conflict with church dogma, he speaks as a public servant and not as a Catholic.

Put another way, while Kerry may personally believe that abortion is wrong, he also has a mandate, as an elected public official, to support what he believes is most appropriate in a democratic (rather than a theocratic) society. It is a question of integrity; it is his responsibility.

JOHN H. ESPERIAN

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