Unfair to Kerry

Your twin editorial letters to John Kerry and to the U.S. bishops (August 13) gave me much food for thought. I do think, however, that they were a little unfair. If the abortion issue is ever to be resolved, both camps will need to explore new ways of looking at the issue. Right now, however, there are only two positions, and to ask a candidate in one of the most hotly contested presidential campaigns in memory to attempt to inject new ideas, or even nuance, into the discussion is to suggest that he commit political suicide.

As for the bishops, by now they must be more or less aware that American Catholics are in the process of redefining the notion of episcopal authority into something essentially ceremonial and advisory. Chiding the bishops for failing to present a united front--and on a nondoctrinal matter at that--was like rubbing salt in an open wound.

AL LUONGO

New York, N.Y.

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