Letters: Leave religion out of politics

While I do not agree with most of Mitt Romney's positions, the comments by Texas pastor Robert Jeffress at the recent conservative summit regarding Romney's Mormon faith are completely out of line ["Condemn the 'cult' comments," Editorial, Oct. 11]. To call the Mormons cultists is not only insulting, it is patently untrue, unless we wish to say that all religions are cults in one way or another.

Jeffress said that only an "authentic Christian" should be president. What is an authentic Christian? A Roman Catholic, an Anglican, a Lutheran, perhaps, or maybe an evangelical or Calvinist, etc.? Select one, and then by whose definition is the choice made?

Finally, never confuse religion with morality and ethics. The first is a belief system, the second is action in word and deed. Far too often the lessons of the former, preached from the pulpits, are forgotten and ignored in the pursuit of everyday activities. And politics is the worst offender.

Richard M. Frauenglass, Huntington

According to pastor Robert Jeffress, a supporter of presidential candidate Rick Perry, one must be a Christian to be acceptable for the office of president of the United States.

In elaborating on Perry's qualifications, he described him as a good Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, while denigrating another legitimate candidate, Mitt Romney, as a follower of a cult.

What happened to the separation of church and state? Let us beware of the slippery slope; it seems we have sunk far too low already.

Rolf Grayson, Melville