Religious tolerance
Sir: Ferdinand Mount isolates an important issue when he questions the right of the state to act on the basis of the internal doctrine of any religion (4 July). But in the long term, it has always seemed far simpler to me for civil authorities to consider the truth of any religious teaching rather than Pretend they are all of equal worth. The Moonies ought to be opposed because their beliefs are manifestly false, not to say ludicrous. Perhaps they ought not to be burnt at the stake, unless they prejudice the good of the whole state. But the constitution is implicitly founded on Christian.principles to which this sect is inimical. Mr Moon's followers are not necessarily noxious because they set teenagers against Parents — most need little encouragement; if Mick Jagger is to be believed, rock music is sufficient cause. Jesuits have done the same.
No, let each religion shift for itself. Each must be judged by the same standard by Which we decide the justice of a civil ruler. If this implies only one established religion, so be it; that is the risk implied by the power to choose.
Christopher Howse Catholic Herald, Lambs Passage, Bunhill Row, London ECI
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