It was interesting to read some views about clergy and politics in recent letters to The Argus (April 16 and 18).
Way back in the 19th century, one of the Anglo-Catholic slum priests in London campaigned for better drainage. When he was criticised for this and told to stick to spiritual things, he replied that he cared about drains because he believed in the incarnation.
The belief that God took flesh in Jesus means we can’t drive a wedge between the earthly and the spiritual.
How we live, what conditions we have and what needs people have is about morality and spirituality. When any of us speak out about such matters in our society, it is showing due care.
This might be political, as it affects places and people and can challenge vested interests, but it is not necessarily party-political. It would be inappropriate to push one party above another in the name of faith.
It would also be wrong not to speak of faith matters as well – of the soul, prayer and doctrine. I do this day after day and week after week, quite rightly.
Yet the practical, bodily and emotional needs of a community are also included.
I spoke out for the regeneration of Newhaven recently (Letters, April 11). If we all know what the place needs, then keep on speaking out about it. Don’t stop.
Fr Kevin O’Donnell, Fort Road, Newhaven
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