From the Revd David Gifford
Sir, - The Revd Keith Trivasse (
Letters, 7 March) makes an interpretative point touching the
emotions of many. There is little doubt that the Jewish and Islamic
communities will be suspicious of the motives of this current
debate, and could consider it to be a threat to their way of life,
identity and religious practice.
It behoves critics of these methods of preparation of meat for
consumption to be sensitive to the deeply held convictions of these
faith minorities in the UK, as well as the freedoms of religious
faith, and awareness of the shared view of the importance of animal
welfare in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
As is very often the case, what unites us in faith is far
greater than what divides us.
DAVID GIFFORD
Chief Executive
The Council of Christians and Jews
Godliman House
21 Godliman Street
London EC4V 5BD