Dear Editor,
I read with interest your editorial on the separation of church and state, concerning government funding for renovations of California Missions. Not enough people are aware that the original separation of church and state issue in this country was concerned with protecting the church from the state!
The danger with state funding of church property is the matter of state intrusions into church property matters. I wonder if a church renovation involving government money will mean church compliance with government oversights? After all, that is the law. Any time we hand any group government money, we expect accountability, full disclosure, government standards compliance and free auditing of all related expenditures.
As it stands now, churches do not have to divulge most, if any, of these details. Will the doorways in the missions have to be widened to accommodate wheelchairs, and will elevators or ramps be required for handicap access?
Will government rules concerning employees hired with government money be a matter of government oversight and presence at the churches and will Holy Water have to be distributed fairly to all persons of all faiths?
My friends, there is something to lose when you draw in the government too close. The price of freedom for religion may involve turning away from government money.
Tony Weiler, Gilroy
