Vegetarian Diet for Lent
Thank you for your letter of the 12th February.
I do not believe that vegetarianism is "an essentially grave moral
issue". I believe that it is a matter on which opinions differ, and I
respect those who are vegetarians. One of our sons is, and has been from
an early age, out of strong convictions. But I do not believe that there
is any necessary link between vegetarianism and the Christian faith.
I believe strongly that animals kept for food need to be well
treated, without any distress at the time of slaughter. I know that this
can be done very well indeed, and that good husbandry and good abattoir
practice are entirely compatible with animals being part of God's
creation.
You will gather that I am not able to endorse the Vegetarian Lent
2003 initiative.
Yours sincerely
(14/2/03)
Return to Episcopal responses
(2003)
Return to Lenten letters (2001-04)
