Bishops’ Letter on Economic Rights

I’ve just read the excerpts from the Catholic bishops’ letter in The Times (Nov. 15) and am torn between joy and anger. I’m joyful that the leaders of one of our largest religious denominations are saying these things--and stating them so strongly. I’m angry that, in this wealthy and democratic nation, these things need to be said.

I hope that my own Jewish community and the other religious groups in our country will join in meeting the challenge laid down by the bishops.

The large and growing disparity between rich and poor in our nation and in the world is both a moral disaster and a powder keg waiting to explode. The fact that the largest number of individuals living in harsh poverty--with all the side effects of poor health, lack of education and hopelessness--are children, bodes ill for our future.

The bishops point to our religious and moral traditions and to the example of thoughtful and creative experimentation, demonstrated by this nation’s Founders, as they ask us to meet this challenge.

How will we respond?

BETTY SANDFORD

Monrovia