Brilliant Website Alert

Following my post on the Draft Human Tissues & Embryos Bill, Mark pointed out on his blog that there is a website which allows you to contact your MP directly.

It's a fantastic resource - you type in your postcode, and not only does it tell you who your MP is, it also tells you who your local councillors, London Assembly members (if relevant, obviously), and MEPs are. You can click on the relevant names to send an email. There is also a link to the House of Lords.

The page is called WriteToThem.com, and you can access it HERE, or from the sidebar link.

A Quick Chuckle...

Draft Human Tissues & Embryos Bill

I've already posted my views on the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority's so-called consultation about the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos. Now SPUC have produced briefing papers on the Draft Human Tissues & Embryos Bill. I consider it to be diabolical that, in the year of the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act (an Act which allows the killing of 500-600 babies each day), the Government have introduced this new threat against the dignity of the human person.

The briefing papers make it clear why we should fight tooth-and-nail against this bill. The draft bill proposes to:
1. merge the two current authorities (The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Human Tissue Authority);
2. extend the general scope of in vitro fertilisation;
3. extend the definition of “embryo” to include those created by cloning and other processes;
4. widen grounds for testing of human embryos to decide whether to transfer them to the womb;
5. widen grounds for research on human embryos that are not going to be transferred to the womb;
6. permit the creation of interspecies embryos for experiments;
7. permit gametes (sperm or eggs) to be taken from patients without consent.

In addition, some politicians have indicated that they will try to introduce amendments to this bill aimed at removing current legal restrictions on abortion. Others wish to tighten certain criteria, in particular, the 24 week limit for ‘social’ abortions.

Attempts to link abortion to this bill must be vigorously opposed because:
1. the abortion law could be made even worse than it is at present;
2. the law does contain restrictions and safeguards, which are not, but should be, enforced;
3. there is a large majority of MPs in parliament in favour of extending the availability of abortion even more widely than it is at present;
4. the current Labour government is likely to be sympathetic to attempts to loosen abortion restrictions;
5. attempts to improve abortion law by amendments introduced via a government bill have been tried in the past and have proved disastrous.

Some people might say that it's worth trying for a reduction in the number of abortions. However, I would just like to point out that SPUC's concerns about the Mental Capacity Bill were totally justified by subsequent events: attempts to "agree" to limit legislation of this sort are seen as weakness, and the Government just walk all over any such attempts.

SPUC is asking everyone to write to their MP opposing this legislation. The Briefing Paper which SPUC has prepared can be obtained HERE as a pdf file, and the details of the campaign, and the Annual Conference being held in September can be found HERE.

I'm Just Not In The Mood...

...so I guess blogging will be temporarily suspended until I've caught up on my beauty sleep!

The Extraordinary Form Of The Photo Fest...

Words are about as necessary for these photos as they are from the laity at a Low Mass, so I shall just put up a small selection for your delight and delectation, and then I will shut up...

Now That's What I Call A Mantilla...

There was a Mass in the extraordinary form at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane this evening. Nearly every woman and girl present was wearing a mantilla. I managed to take lots of photos (though not of the congregation - you'll have to trust me on the mantilla front!) I haven't got time to upload them all tonight, but here's one to be getting on with...

In the meantime, Fr. Ray Blake sent me a rather snazzy photo the other day, and mischievously titled it "Solemn High Mulier Fortis and Accomplice." I have to say that I heartily approve of the style (though I personally aways wear black.) The altar is also pretty stunning...

More From Woldingham

In what is rapidly becoming part of the Faith Conference Experience, at the end of the Session we were treated to a video "snapshot" of the proceedings, courtesy of "Fr. Gadget" of the Hermeneutic of Continuity...


There have been a few reports from fellow bloggers (there were quite a few of us there, which means that, for the sake of fraternal charity, it was probably Divine Providence which prevented us accessing Blogger while at the school!) and I thought it might be an idea to link to the posts I've spotted... if I've missed anyone out, just drop me a line in the com-box and I shall update the post pronto!

So far we have The Hermeneutic of Continuity, South Ashford Priest, Auntie Joanna Writes, Bashing Secularism, Sisters of the Gospel of Life and Orthfully Catholic (who hasn't actually posted anything yet, but has promised to do so soon...)