WIT 1-1 REFERENCE to Rev Clifton March 9, it is unrealistic to expect legislation to outlaw contraception and divorce in a multifaith and atheistic society such as our own. We must concentrate on legislating to achieve a minimum standard of behaviour less than which we will not tolerate.
People, no matter what we think, have a right to be wrong within certain limits. Contraception and divorce do not break those limits and arc seen as specifically Catholic issues by the general population.
As Catholics, we have a habit of mentioning contraception, divorce and abortion in the same breath. There is a double danger in this. Firstly, abortion is seen as only a Catholic ethic and secondly, contraception and divorce are not seen as serious breaches of the moral code, and therefore, abortion by association is not seen as a serious breach either.
Finally our attitude to abortion is sadly lacking. We act like gentlemen. We protest in the same way that the people of Bexley protest about the lack of a bypass.
A little civil disobedience, a few people in prison, a constant disruption of abortion clinics might get the matter taken more seriously. Constant pressure and inconveniencing government brings about change. This is not an issue to be polite about.
Mr P V Gilchrist Flat 2,
84, North Cray Rd., Bexley, Kent