From the Revd John Oliver
Sir, - I was at a national Christian conference in October
1984. Living in east London, and working in youth and community
work in inner cities, with strong links with South Yorkshire, I saw
and experienced the devastating effect of Lady Thatcher's policies,
with there probably unintended but nevertheless awful consequences
for many communities and millions of individuals.
We were challenged to pray for our Government, Margaret Thatcher
in particular, especially if we disagreed with her policies and
practices. I really struggled that night to pray for her - not just
to pray "against" her. Eventually, I was praying for her, as our
Prime Minister, as a party leader, as a wife and mother, and as one
who seemed to have some sense of God's story.
I woke early the next morning to the news of the Brighton
bombing, the IRA's attempt to kill her.
Since then, I have always tried to pray for our leaders -
especially the ones with whom I really disagree. I entrust Lady
Thatcher and ourselves to God's ultimate justice and mercy.
JOHN OLIVER
7a Southwood Road
Bournemouth BH6 3QA
From Mr Andrew McLuskey
Sir, - Lady Thatcher was a remarkable woman. Inevitably, her
legacy is controversial. No one can deny, however, that she ushered
in a new age in Britain. The era of corporatism had clearly run its
course. In addition, strikes and excessive union power were
threatening to strangle economic life in Britain.
As with any pronounced swing of the pendulum, this one probably
went too far. Greed and individualism became disturbingly
widespread, and clearly contributed to the crash of 2008.
Churchpeople, too, may feel that the lady's forays into theology -
such as her "Sermon on the [Edinburgh] Mount" - were somewhat
unfortunate.
For once, however, it is surely not a cliché to say that we
shall not see her like again.
ANDREW McLUSKEY
17 Diamedes Avenue
Stanwell
Staines TW19 7JE