COMPASSION

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 23, 29 October 1985, Page 2

COMPASSION

Dear Sir, I have just finished reading the column 'Facing Up'1 in the Bulletin 22 October, written presumably by a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. As the writer has not stated if the opinions are the view of the church or the writer's personal view, I shall deal with both opinions. If the views are those of the Roman Catholic Church I am sadly disappointed. In my humble opinion Christ always dealt with people, no matter how good or bad, with compassion and understanding. None of those attributes are to be seen in the article and I therefore despair for anyone seeking solace or compassion in that religion. If the statement is the personal view of the writer then I am saddened by his display of cynicism, bitterness and intolerance. In his privileged position as a priest his lack of compassion, understanding and tolerance is inhuman. I pity any person who tried to turn to this man for help. This is far from an ideal world, which is why we have such personal issues as abortion and AIDS, and why we

need caring, understanding and tolerant priests of religion to help people suffering from or touched by these issues. The last thing this far from perfect world needs are people of influence to publicise such invective and thereby close yet another door for those people seeking help. Tolerance at all costs