I don't think faith is meant to be shared, other than between one person and his/her 'God'. I have a deep faith, no-one brought it to me, at least, no-one 'earthbound'. I have no need of priests, or bishops, or vicars, nor monks or rabbis. I don't believe that any are 'nearer' to 'God' than I am, nor do I believe they have a right to judge others, or dictate to them, as this particular priest has done. I acknowledge and admire their historical knowledge, but so far as them knowing more about faith than I do, no, I don't believe that at all. No-one comes between me and my 'God'. No-one is there to tell me what I should, or should not believe. It is written in my soul and it was inscribed there when I arrived on this planet. That's all I know...and feel.

And I have a terrible sorrow that faith, something which should be so personal, so strong, so inspirational, filled with hope and love, and so free, has been twisted over the centuries, to so often become divisive, excluding, spiteful, controlling, cruel, war-mongering and hateful.

Churches, and Church Leaders have power. A power that has come about through fear. Fear of 'your priest/vicar/rabbi/etc being angry with you, fear of what will happen after death, fear of hell and damnation..fear, fear, fear....

True faith is about only one kind of power, and that is Love.

As for abortion, those who fight for 'the unborn child' and those who fight for a woman's freedom, well, who is to say which is right. I can see both sides and neither outcome is good.