Separation of Cuenin and state

There are at least a few sensible politicians in the city of Newton, Mass. They are the ones objecting to a letter from the Board of Aldermen demanding the Archdiocese of Boston reinstate Fr. Walter Cuenin as pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians parish.

Alderman John Stewart appears to be one of the few who understands that the First Amendment says government can’t interfere in the

of a church.

“It’s the kind of thing you learn in Government 101, it’s just so basic,” said Stewart. “A governmental body should not, in any way, get involved in commenting on or trying to influence the decisions of a religious organization and that is exactly what is happening.”