Thank you for your letter of 12th February.
Without wishing to respond in detail to each of your questions, let
me say that I readily defend the right of vegetarians to choose for
themselves a diet which avoids meat and meat products, and admire, for
their underlying motive, their so doing. It is not, however, a choice I
make for myself, nor for others when I act as host. I have to confess I
see no imperative in acting otherwise nor any virtue were I to do so,
unless prompted by conscience. I do not therefore consider that I can
appropriately endorse this year's Vegetarian Lent 2003 initiative. On
the other hand, as I stated above, I defend your right to take it and
would, were you my guests, make appropriate accommodation to meet your
diet.
With all good wishes,
Yours devotedly in Christ
(24/2/03)
Return to Episcopal responses
(2003)
Return to Lenten letters (2001-04)