God and the Ballot Box

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As if to underscore just how complex the religious crosscurrents in the campaign are, Boston Archbishop Bernard F. Law stepped into the fray last week, saying abortion is "the critical issue of the moment." He announced that 17 New England bishops had joined with him to proclaim "irresponsible" the view (taken by Democrats Ferraro and Cuomo, among others) that officeholders should not impose on others their personal opposition to abortion. Said the statement: "To evade this issue of abortion under the pretext that it is a matter pertaining exclusively to private morality is obviously illogical." New York Archbishop John J. O'Connor had voiced similar views last month, but softened them somewhat after being challenged by Governor Cuomo. This week Cuomo is scheduled to give a long-planned address on abortion and other church-state issues at Notre Dame.

After listening to both candidates, B'nai B'rith delegates voted unanimously to oppose all forms of organized prayer in high schools, and called on Government to be "neutral" in religious matters. In an obvious swipe at Laxalt's letter, the resolution also voiced "opposition to attempts to claim 'God's authority' in campaigns for political office." Many of the delegates contended that Reagan had stirred new fears at least among Jews, who, as members of a religious minority, are extremely sensitive to the possibility of Government interference in religion.

Fearful lest they further inflame divisive sectarian passions, aides to Mondale and Reagan said last week that the candidates were hoping to turn their campaigns back from the brink of religious division. But, as both men pointed out, Americans just now seem to be searching with deep urgency for stable values and deeper meanings to their lives. That stirring could prove emotional enough to keep matters of faith at the forefront of the 1984 campaign.