Letter: War's dilemmas
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Joanna Bourke is right when she criticises Christian clergy for their collusion in sanctifying warfare (Review, 5 June).
Once again, the majority of British Christians have proved themselves indifferent to the outrage of war, as a nation is reduced to rubble and civilians are bombed and maimed in our name.
As a Roman Catholic my sense of disgust is increased by the moral absolutism of many Catholics with regard to abortion, and the moral relativism which prevails in times of war. It is apparently acceptable to kill television journalists and patients in Serbian hospitals, but not to administer the morning-after pill to raped Kosovan women. An all-male, celibate hierarchy is more able to sympathise with the moral dilemmas which men face with regard to militarism than with those which women face with regard to unwanted pregnancy.
Nevertheless, Joanna Bourke fails to acknowledge how difficult it can be for the minority voice of opposition to make itself heard during war. Every night during the bombing of Serbia there have been demonstrations in many of Britain's major cities which have been virtually ignored by the media. It should also be pointed out that, while the Catholic bishops of England and Wales have declared this war just, the Pope has been a lonely voice for peace.
Dr TINA BEATTIE
Bristol
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments