Increasingly, the religious leaders in this country are directing their attention toward influencing the political opinions of the flock.

These activities range from Pat Robertson’s suggestion that Hugo Chavez be assassinated, to Bishop Tobin and his opinion that pro-choice candidates should not be supported by members of the Catholic church.

These are but two of the many politically oriented public-policy positions espoused by religious leaders.

They are, to me, looking more and more like the mullahs in the Mideast who control all aspects of the lives of their followers. They stray pretty far from focusing on the spiritual-guidance aspect of their vocation.

Religious leaders should focus on strengthening the spirituality of the flock and then allow the flock to make their choices, privately, on the ballot.

In so many ways, this country is increasingly drifting toward having public issues influenced by religious leaders. Before we are under some form of religious law not unlike the sharia we must strengthen the principle of separating church and state. One step in that direction will be to remove the tax-exempt status of these institutions. Can you imagine the impact on state budgets?

PETER M. O’CONNELL

East Greenwich