Church and State

Press, 8 March 1978, Page 16

Church and State

Sir, — Your report on the church affiliations of members of Parliament and the abortion vote was an example of the free press at its best — balanced, responsible, and necessary in the public interest. It is of great public importance and interest how the moral views of a minority of citizens can be enacted in the dead of night into laws which the majority of the public and medical professionals find repugnant and oppressive. If the Roman Catholic Church, its adherents, and other minorities enjoy the freedom to act and influence politically in accordance with their beliefs, why should their successes and methods be clothed in secrecy and a taboo placed on investigation, report, debate, and comment? The religious and moral beliefs of members of Parliament and candidates should be revealed to help voters assess their suitability for office and to represent them in Parliament. Please carry on your good work and before the next election report on the religious affiliation of all candidates. — Yours, etc., L. F. J. ROSS. March 7, 1978.

Sir, — I have had a high regard for the objectivity and common sense of “The Press” editorial opinion. However the editorial of March 4 is a sad departure from those virtues. The illogicalities of the article are too numerous to list in a 150-word letter, but they certainly make nonsense of your claims that the private lives of members of Parliament should be probed by journalists. If all you say is true, why did you wait till after the passing of the act to do your probing? If your concluding paragraph — a masterpiece of intellectual dishonesty — is any indication, the significance of my question will undoubtedly be lost upon you. Whatever the motivation for this frontpage exercise, there are sinister aspects which must seriously concern all people of good will. The motto beneath your fine crest looks very inappropriate today. — Yours, etc., D. J. COONEY. March 5, 1978. Sir, — "The Press” must be commended for publishing the results of a survey on the religious affiliations of our Parliamentarians. Parliamentarians who legislate on issues which affect the personal consciences of every New Zealander have a duty to make clear their religious affiliation or background. It is sad that a small, hard-line coterie of anti-abortionists within the Roman Catholic Church are prepared to go to extremes

of political blackmail to impose their minority morality on the majority of non-Cath-olic New Zealanders. The zeal with which this coterie pursues its single-minded aim shows little regard for the bitter sectarian divisions it is creating in New Zealand society. — Yours, etc., D. W. O. JONES. March 7, 1978.