Church and State

Press, 7 March 1978, Page 16

Church and State

Sir, — I acknowledge your inquiries as to my religious affiliations. You asked this in the context of the recent abortion legislation. I am not prepared to disclose my religious affiliations, if any. I regard the private convictions of any person concerning abortion with respect. What I have sought is respect for the wider concerns which we all must share about the maintenance of democratic government in this country. To my mind the removal of a whole area of jurisdiction from a Supreme Court and its. transfer to a system of Government committees is the very antithesis of democracy. It has always seemed to ’ me that the prime responsibility of a member of Parliament is to uphold democratic interests so that people of very diverse moral and religious beliefs might live peacefully together. In this context 1 feel it would be quite wrong for me or any other member of Parliament to legislate his own private religious views into the laws of the land. — Yours, etc., M. J. MINOGUE, M.P. March 2, 1978. Sir, — As the editor of a secular publication you have made a strong effort to be sectarian. I have always regarded “The Press” as a newspaper of integrity, but your editorial and the preceding inquiry leave no doubt in my mind that there are still people who will twist the truth to suit their own ambitions. Perhaps you might let readers know your reasons for wanting to keep the abortion issue alive. What a pity you did not use your influence to keep babies alive. I am sure the Catholic members of Parliament are delighted to know

that their convictions and regard for the important things in life have been responsible for influencing others. However, Sir, you may rest easy as Christ said, “Love those who persecute you.” There will now be many trying to love you; so please reciprocate. — Yours, etc.,

A. PFAHLERT. March 6, 1978.