![REAGAN, Ronald. Autograph letter signed ("Ronald Reagan"), to Mr. Robert E. Peterson, London, 4 March [1949]. 1¼ pages, 8vo (7 13/16 x 6 1/8 in.), on rectos only, Savoy Hotel stationery, envelope, in very fine condition.](https://www.christies.com.cn/img/LotImages/2002/NYR/2002_NYR_01139_0225_000(050310).jpg?w=1)
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REAGAN, Ronald. Autograph letter signed ("Ronald Reagan"), to Mr. Robert E. Peterson, London, 4 March [1949]. 1¼ pages, 8vo (7 13/16 x 6 1/8 in.), on rectos only, Savoy Hotel stationery, envelope, in very fine condition.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, REAGAN ASSERTS, USES THE LAITY "AS A COLLEGE USES A FOOTBALL TEAM"
An insightful letter which gives a glimpse into Reagan's beliefs about religion and the Catholic Church. In 1949, Reagan was at the height of his acting career. Although an active voter and a witness for the House Committee on Un-American Activities, he had not yet envisioned a life in political office. Working on a film in London, he responds to a suggestion of his unidentified correspondant about the Catholic Church: "Your letter has just been forwarded to me here in London where I'm making a picture at present, which I hope will explain the tardiness of this reply. With regard to your plan I can only say it sounds very practical and worthwhile. It is an approach to the weakest link in our church set up which is the relationship between the church itself and the 'lay world'. The Catholic Church has capitalized for years on those of their 'laity' who achieve some fame or success and has used them for window dressing much as a college uses a football team. I think your plan is a splendid idea and should receive the close attention of the Church. More power to you".
Reagan "didn't wear religion on his sleeve, [but] he shared his mother's faith that everything in the world happens according to God's plan" (Cannon, Ronald Reagan, p. 108).
Provenance: Paul C. Richards, 1981.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, REAGAN ASSERTS, USES THE LAITY "AS A COLLEGE USES A FOOTBALL TEAM"
An insightful letter which gives a glimpse into Reagan's beliefs about religion and the Catholic Church. In 1949, Reagan was at the height of his acting career. Although an active voter and a witness for the House Committee on Un-American Activities, he had not yet envisioned a life in political office. Working on a film in London, he responds to a suggestion of his unidentified correspondant about the Catholic Church: "Your letter has just been forwarded to me here in London where I'm making a picture at present, which I hope will explain the tardiness of this reply. With regard to your plan I can only say it sounds very practical and worthwhile. It is an approach to the weakest link in our church set up which is the relationship between the church itself and the 'lay world'. The Catholic Church has capitalized for years on those of their 'laity' who achieve some fame or success and has used them for window dressing much as a college uses a football team. I think your plan is a splendid idea and should receive the close attention of the Church. More power to you".
Reagan "didn't wear religion on his sleeve, [but] he shared his mother's faith that everything in the world happens according to God's plan" (Cannon, Ronald Reagan, p. 108).
Provenance: Paul C. Richards, 1981.