Should Federal Funds Fix California Missions?

Re “Congress Votes to Repair Missions,” Nov. 18: If the federal government is going to spend $10 million toward repairing 19 missions owned by the Catholic Church, then it is only fair that the Catholic Church deed those missions to the federal government.

Al Grenier

Los Angeles

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I am a proud liberal and a staunch believer in the separation of church and state. But the “watchdog group,” Americans United for Church and State, do California and themselves a grave disservice by opposing the bill that would provide desperately needed funds to restore our California missions. The missions are the most historically and culturally significant buildings we have in a state that has shown a tragic lack of historical perspective over the decades.

The notion that we should allow the missions to fall into ruin is a deeply misguided interpretation of the real need to keep religion out of our government. Not only would this be a disservice to generations of as-yet-unborn Californians, but it would undermine the important work that Americans United for Church and State should be doing by making their goals seem trivial and frivolous. I would urge them to reconsider their position.

Alan Sanborn

Los Angeles

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Thank you, Congress! At least you are recognizing our California history, while our own county is removing the cross representing the missions of our state and our history! Our children and their children will know this California history because you are willing to preserve it.

Vickie Casas

West Los Angeles