Catholics and the elections

From Mrs Linda Verner
Sir, I sincerely hope that my fellow Catholics will study closely the pledges contained within the Conservative Party election manifesto, particularly in regard to its support for marriage and cast their vote accordingly.
It certainly is a breakthrough for Christians who look to politicians for support for their values and, although Cardinal Winning was disappointed that only the Conservative Party took up his challenge to offer support to marriage, we should not be surprised.
Yours faithfully LINDA E. VERNER Cheam, Surrey
From Mr Alfred Kenyon
Your article (May 18) "Tory church campaign sparks party political row" was most interesting. Our Bishops have given us all the duty to contribute to the thinking of all parties, and it is heartening to see that there are now Christian activities in all three main parties. We may have
These people whose suffering should not be trivialised, as they often ask for euthanasia, face the trauma of having to associate with dangerous criminals in order to obtain what they need, at a price they can ill afford, only to find they have been cheated by being given foul, dangerous and useless stuff, with no redress possible because the whole thing was illegal.
If they grow their own they are liable to police raids and imprisonment and as for the "psychopathic murderers" we are always told they have not been taking their medication because of the side effects. That is what cannabis alleviates.
No new experiments are needed to define how it helps some and not others -5,000 years proves no harm. "The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth and he that is wise will not abhor them (Ecclus 38:4)."
Yours faithfully LESLIE VON GOETZ Newport on Tay
Danger of false accusations
From Ms Vicky Williams
Sir, In your editorial comment of May 4 a bishop was quoted as divided party loyalties, but we are united in the bond of love that shines from the gospel message. It is particularly pleasing to have marriage and hospices getting specific support in the Conservative manifesto.
Hospices are a most important focus of attention as they are such a strong support to us on life issues, as well as supreme examples of the faith at work. Christians in the other parties will surely take up the challenge and spur those parties on to make specific pledges on family and life issues too.
Yours sincerely, ALFRED KENYON London SW13 9NH
From Mr Gerard Han ratty
Sir, Fr Hugh Mackenzie (May 18) would like Mark Hendrick to allay the fears of Preston Catholics who might be wary of voting for him (on the grounds that he does not believe that human life begins at the moment of conception). However, what he fails to realise is that their fears have been allayed already.
During the Preston by-election saying that innocent adults accused may have to suffer in order to protect children.
What Message is he sending to a group of disturbed people who are causing havoc in the lives of teachers and care-workers? Justice is due to all people in this country, whatever their age or position. Many of the people bringing such accusations are disturbed.
If they were inmates of care establishments they had opportunities to report such assaults but some have only chosen to when the carrot of compensation appears. The police methods of gathering statements also show flaws, with many people being visited many times until they agree to give a statement against the accused.
The Nolan Committee needs to listen carefully to representatives of falsely accused careworkers and teachers. They know how such accusations affect people, families and establishments.
All people need care; the judiciary must make careful deliberations in such cases and learn to see through the webs of lies that greedy and sick people can spin.
Yours faithfully, VICKY WILLIAMS, Liverpool Joe Benton (the staunchly prolife Labour MP for Bootle) travelled to Preston to reassure prolifers that it was perfectly acceptable to vote for Mr Hendrick.
They could have voted for Peter Garrett (who is 100 per cent pro-life in relation to every issue). But, evidently, Mr Benton thought that loyalty to the Labour Party was more important than. literally, anything else.
Mr Hendrick was subsequently elected and, a week after entering Parliament, he voted in favour of human cloning.
It is the light of this that I am rather perplexed by Mr Benton's joint statement to various churches (drawn up with the participation of nine Members of Parliament).
Amongst other things, this open letter states that Christians cannot accept without protest the production of embryonic human clones for so-called therapy or for profit.
These are fine words. But they are a bit rich coming from Mr Benton.
Yours faithfully, GERARD HANRATTY London. SW10 9DR
Anyone for Alpha?
From Mrs Edith Caversham-Hope
Sir, I have just read a most interesting review of the Alpha course by a sociologist, Stephen Hunt In his book. Anyone for Alpha? he shows the subtle brainwashing technique of the Holy Spirit weekend. Furthermore it shows the abuse that this course can be open to in a Catholic context. Hunt quotes a Catholic missionary in eastern Europe who states: "Alpha is making a breakthrough in very traditional and predominantly Catholic countries. And it is precisely in those countries where we especially need Alpha — to get people to read the bible, and to make a more direct relationship with God rather than praying through Our Lady or even calling to the Saints for help. The Charismatic movement is the way forward."
As someone who has lost a daughter to Protestantism (she is now training to be an Anglican lady vicar) via the Alpha movement, can I plead that Catholics become more critically aware?
Yours faithfully
EDITH CAVERS HAM-HOPE Clare. Suffolk