The Editor, Sir:

The church and other civic groups have decried the government's stance on legal abortion. In my opinion, they are approaching it in a negative manner. Archbishop Reece urges the government to implement obstetric care, provide abstinence programmes and implement family strengthening programmes.

These are the roles the church should be playing. They should implement these programmes to educate persons and increase their options. But instead, they along with civic groups are acting like tyre burners and roadblockers. Going out there to petition against a cause - what is the solution they are offering?

Wake up

Come on church! You have been laid-back for years - where is the contribution to family life that you used to give? What about pastoral care - how many of you know the members of your congregation; visit, sit and talk to them? How many of you are seeing to the needs of the indigent members or even give members a lift when you see them on the road?

Some of these societal civic groups only sound a trumpet when they are about to perform a deed, but how many good deeds have they done in private?

Government - do what you want to do, at the end of the day it boils down to choice. It goes for condom in schools, abortion and everything. If persons want to use the facilities - so be it! Amen!

I am, etc.,

VAL MAC

vj0963@msn.com

Wales