14 SEPTEMBER 1991, Page 26

Sir: William Cash (7 September) quotes Father Tracy SJ as

saying that those who reject the Papacy's teachings on birth con- trol have failed to provide any evidence that contraception is morally justified.

It is this kind of sub-Thomist claptrap that drives people from the Church. If it seems likely to rain I take an umbrella with me — I do not seek a moral justification for doing so. Sometimes, of course, I do not mind getting wet and will take no precau- tions. Perhaps the Society of Jesus argues that only the 'barometer' method is permis- sible as a means of keeping dry: one is allowed to ensure that pressure is high prior to going out.

I notice Father Tracy compares contra- ception with robbing a bank: no wonder the Church's sexual morality is in a mess.

A J Moran

20 Rectory Road, London SW13