Peter G. Sokaris in his letter ("Don't let religion influence our laws," March 29) criticizes Bishop Howard Hubbard and the other bishops of New York for meeting with Gov. Andrew Cuomo seeking to impose their religious beliefs relative to the Reproductive Health Act.
It should be noted that the bishops and members of the Catholic community gather at the Capitol annually to express their views on a variety of issues to the executive and legislative branches. This year, for example, in addition to the abortion issue, Catholics advocated for an increase in the minimum wage, affordable housing for the poor, humane treatment for the incarcerated and assurance the "Medicaid redesign" in our state not impact negatively upon the elderly and uninsured.
Bishops and Catholics have the same rights as other citizens to express their opinions. Separation of church and state does not mean separation of the church from society. People speaking from the framework of religious values should not be denied a voice.
It also should be noted that the same day Catholics rallied at the Capitol, so did Clergy for Choice — expressing support for the Reproductive Health Act.
The genius of our democracy is that people of all religious traditions and none are free to contribute to the public debate. We do not have a state-sanctioned religion in our nation, but neither do we discriminate against those who hold positions based upon scriptural, spiritual and moral values. I trust Mr. Sokaris respects this perspective.
Kenneth Goldfarb
Director of communications
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, Albany
