Maclean tries to heal rift with Church on right and wrong
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.THE GOVERNMENT yesterday sought to close the rift between a Home Office minister and the Church over criticism that the clergy had failed to teach children the difference between right and wrong.
David Maclean, the Home Office minister whose outspoken remarks on moral teaching provoked a demand for an explanation from Lambeth Palace, yesterday said he had not been commenting on the issues raised by the murder of James Bulger, the Liverpool toddler.
In a letter to Lambeth Palace, Mr Maclean said: 'My remarks were made in the context of the Children's Society report about persistent juvenile offenders. The report contained many recommendations about what should be done with these young people, but not one of them touched on the importance of teaching children the difference between right and wrong.
'I made my remarks in that context and not in the context of the James Bulger case.' He said he agreed with the Archbishop of York, who also sought on BBC radio to heal the rift. 'We all have to examine our respective responsibilities in the aftermath of the dreadful events in the Bulger case to see whether there is anything more we can do,' Mr Maclean wrote.
Downing Street also sought to avoid the aftermath of the Bulger case turning into a confrontation between Church and State.
The Prime Minister's office said John Major was aware of Mr Mac lean's remarks and the context in which they were made. That was seen as a clear signal that while Mr Maclean, a right-winger, may have irritated the Government, it was not a sackable offence.
Government sources made it clear ministers would continue to espouse the 'back to basics' theme adopted by the Prime Minister to revive Tory morale for the new term of Parliament.
Peter Lilley, the Secretary of State for Social Security, praised the Church for its moral teaching.
Leading article and letters, page 16
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments