Although it is natural to move with the times, it does not follow that people who profess the Catholic faith should lose their bearings. Their bearings are the Gospel and the Word of God on the one hand, and the Church’s Magisterium on the other.

It is at once tragic and disgraceful that the recent pastoral letter by the bishops of these islands (‘Celebrating Human Life’) was openly snubbed not only by some politicians but also by some misguided priests.

The bishops exercised their authority when they issued their pastoral letter which reflected the Church’s teaching on IVF. Such teaching is not for debate. It is a source of enlightenment to authentic Catholics who conscientiously submit to the word of God and that of His anointed representatives.

Catholics who have qualms about their faith and morals would be better advised to familiarise themselves with the Catechism of the Church and, particularly, with the consistent teaching of Pope John Paul II, such as that on the theology of the body. Equally useful is a good read of the encyclical Humanae Vitae by Pope Paul VI.

It is in this spirit that I applaud Peter Micallef Eynaud’s letter (August 20). The civic spirit and initiative that moved the good doctor deserves wide support.