The Pope and politics

Press, 8 November 1978, Page 24

The Pope and politics

Sir, — Thanks to Jacqueline Steincamp (November 4) for her timely reminder of Roman Catholic obstructionism towards any kind of social evolution. The. Catholic Church has more power and influence in New Zealand than in any other nori'Catholic country; consequently, this is by far the most backward country in the English-speaking world. It is scarcely necessary to point out that the four groups named by Ms Steincamp are front organisations for the Catholic Church and share essentially the same membership. The Catholic notion that sex should be confined to married couples and forbidden to everyone else is neither acceptable nor realistic. As the statistics for illegitimacy, abortion and VD continue to rise, Catholics are still trying to obstruct sex education and the dissemination of information about contraceptives and prophylactics. While voters continue to elect M.P.s who place the propagation of religious dogma ahead of the welfare of the nation, social progress will remain slow. — Yours, etc.,

lAN HOOD November 4, 1978.

Sir, — In case any reader should, wish to refer to “Time” magazine to check the full text of the report on “The Rhythm Lobby,” mentioned in my letter (November 4) the date is February 1, 1971. not February 9, as mistakenly given. They may also be interested in the report on Vatican diplomacy in the issue of September 3, 1973, in the light of the information given in the earlier report. — Yours, etc., JACQUELINE STEINCAMP. November 6, 1978.

[This correspondence is now closed.—Editor]