Date:    10/1/97 8:45 AM
     
Jonathan Katz
Secretary
SEC
450 5th Street,NW
Washington, DC 20549
     
Dear Mr. Katz,
     
It is shocking to me that the proposed rule changes for the Securities and 
Exchange Commission contain such restrictive measures for shareholders. I 
recognize the need for renewal and change if there is undue inconvenience for 
the corporation, but I do not agree that the process for a democratic 
participation causes such an undue inconvenience. Rather, I believe the 
present shareholder resolution requirements are fair and just. They allow 
the shareholder/owner to give the necessary moral and ethical advice 
necessary for the responsible ownership of the company.
     
If these new rules should pass, I believe you are eliminating a democratic 
process that has provided free speech and moral persuasion for the 
shareholder.It is critical that the changes, especially those that restrict 
the shareholder from access to the proxy, not be made. 
     
For the past twenty years, religious investors and other who are socially 
responsible have taken the time, money, energy and perseverance to 
generously challenge the management toward more just execution of the 
corporation's business. This is financially important and can save the 
company millions of dollars in costs for clean-up, law suits, and loss of 
revenue from the creation of a poor image.
     
I urge you to reconsider the proposed new rules so that they are more 
considerate of the socially responsible shareholder.
     
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
     
Sincerely,
     
Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ
     
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