Time to act on the poll tax

EARLIER this year the leaders of the Christian churches successfully campaigned to persuade the government to exempt members of religious orders from payment of the poll tax because they had no personal income.
This was a break-through which ought to be exploited on behalf of poorer families. The government's response to the Church's campaign clearly accepted the principle of "ability to pay".
The poll tax has been described as unfair, unjust and undemocratic it is also
unchristian and against the social teaching of the Church. Pope John XXIII stated "in a system of taxation based on justice and equity, it is fundamental that the burdens be proportioned to the capacity of those contributing" (para 132 Mater et Magistea). No ambiguity here.
In para 92 Pucern Terres he quoted a saying of St Augustine which is relevant to this issue: "take away justice and what are kingdoms but mighty bands of robbers". This quote is also used in a book on Christians and Politics (Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York) in which the author, J 0 Davies, states that St Augustine went on to argue that the obligation to obey unjust laws corresponds to the duty to obey a robber hand. Anyone who ignores the rules of a robber band risks losing freedom. To disobey the laws of the state invites the penalty imposed by the state.
For example It Peter Sheridan, the Halifax priest, has challenged the justice of the poll tax (November 17). In making a stand on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society he must now suffer the consequences, fines and possible imprisonment. Most ails hat e registered ‘s it h the local authority., but the critical decision NS ill come in April when the demand uri k es ' for payment of the poll las. " In pay or not to pay". That is the question. Those who refuse to pay may be taken to court hut how can a court of justice adjudicate on or administer a Ius which is patently unjust?
W O'Neill Welwyn Garden City