British Section of the World Federation of Doctors Who Respect Human Life

From the Daily Telegraph

14 July 2008

Sir- Sam Leith's article (Comment, July 12) is another depressing example of the absolutism of so-called liberals. They are liberal only with beliefs similar to theirs.

Surely, the point at issue in the case of the Islington registrar is that of respect for conscience. Such respect has for long been the hallmark of civilised nations and has especially characterised British society. Conscientious objection has a recognised place in the context of war. People cannot be forced, against their conscience, to participate in armed conflict, although, of course, they must contribute to society in other ways. Would Mr Leith remove this right, especially if it is, as it often is, based on religious belief?

I see the future for legislation very differently from Mr Leith. There must be more, not less, recognition of conscience in public law, whether that is on questions of adoption and of government support for the excellent work done by faith-based adoption agencies, or of participation in recent innovations such as civil partnership ceremonies, or, indeed, in carrying out certain kinds of medical research or procedures which are contrary to people's beliefs about the sanctity of the human person - and the public good.

It is such respect for conscience that should be at the heart of government policy regarding faith communities, rather than ill-conceived and misguided notions about the recognition of the religious law of particular communities in terms of the law of the land.

Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester