Margaret Thatcher’s views

Press, 29 May 1978, Page 16

Margaret Thatcher’s views

Sir, — The personal views of Margaret Thatcher on religion and politics appear to be based entirely on the often quoted traditional Christian morality in spite of her implied disclaimer in the next to last paragraph of her article. It would take an article of equal length to answer in equal detail her totally biased view which is so obviously written as if from a position of lofty condescension. She demands humility, fairness and tolerance from Christian Socialists and in doing so suggests that' such qualities cannot normally be expected of them. As for her repeated reference to Christian morality being the only datum from where the rest of us are to be measured, I suggest Margaret Thatcher does a little unbiased research into the horrific details of the Crusades and the nine inquisitions of Europe before she tries to sell a bloodsoaked ism to an enlightened public. — Yours, etc., ARTHUR MAY. May 26, 1978.

Sir, — Margaret Thatcher writes (May 26): “I would expect Christian Socialists in all humility, fairness, and tolerance to recognise that there is a Christian Conservative tradition as well,” and then: “There is no intellectually honest. . . bridge between Marxist materialism

and Christianity.” Does Mrs Thatcher’s demand for humility, tolerance, and fairness towards herself, coupled with a refusal to extend it towards others, reflect the religious or the political element in her “personal view?” — Yours, G. FISCHER. May 26, 1978.