Peace and piety
Sir: The Reverend J. L. Peace, (Letters, 26 December) in criticism of His Most Reverend Ramsey's politics, concludes by offering his own politics for Dr Ramsey to adopt and administer to his, (Ram- sey's) flock. Whenever I hear gentlemen of the cloth talking politics, I am put in mind of that classical eighteenth- century novel, Barchester Towers. Trollone gives us a lucid picture of the clergy, their remuneration and their piety (cough, cough). Salaries then were ridiculously high; what they are now, God alone knows! And for what do they earn this Almighty, gift? If it is their duty to administer Christian doctrine, how can they do it fairly possessing strong political biases? For example, Mr Peace suggests Dr Ramsey should, 'un- equivocally condemn as immoral all strike action affecting the health and lives of his fellow country- men.' The innuendo no doubt dir- ected at the sewer men.
Christ did not work, nor did he (unlike Mr Peace) receive any mon- etary payment for administering his beliefs and principles. When men go on strike it is for their be- liefs and principles, for they, (un- like Mr Peace). do not receive any monetary payment for their opin- ions either.
Clerey with strong political opi- nions belong in Parliament. not in the pulpit. It would be a God bless-
ed day if Peace was ever brought to Parliament.
John C. Goss
59 Ivinson Road, Darwen.
Previous page
