I congratulate The Times for stimulating debate on the vexed question of divorce. It would appear from recent correspondence that both sides of the debate provoke valid argument. It seems that there is, at least, some willingness to submit the matter to public scrutiny.

On the one hand, it can be argued that divorce is an act of compassion, the righting of a wrong, the correction of a mistake, on the other hand it can be proposed that divorce is an act in defiance of God’s holy law.

In so many cases the Christian Church quite rightly accepts human fallibility and happily forgives our sins. It is a compassionate Church.

A bad marriage is most often a mistake, but not necessarily a sin.

Many factors conspire to undermine a consecrated partnership. Modern living places many constraints on our lives. Stress leads to intolerance and unhappiness. There is a breaking point in any partnership. It seems somewhat harsh to accept that the only way out of a bad marriage is death, according to the vows.

Western world morality is generally a product of Judaic/Christian philosophy. Religion should be a dynamic and progressive force, it must move with the times if it is to retain credibility within modern society.

The Roman Catholic Church has formulated its doctrine over almost 2,000 years and many changes have been made during that time, many repressive policies reformed for the betterment of its community.

Surely it is now time for the Church and political state to allow uninhibited public debate on the issue of divorce, perhaps even a referendum. I for one believe that God would trust humankind to make the right decision without fear.