Letter: Earth mother
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Your leading article ignores a significant hazard in moves to declare the Virgin Mary "co-redemptor" ("Mary, Mary, once contrary", August 24) .
A shared devotion to Mary forms a precious link between Christianity and Islam. The Koran speaks of her at even greater length than the Bible, confirms her virgin birth, and celebrates her as one of the great prophets.
The Second Vatican Council firmly rejected moves to make Mary a "redeemer" alongside her son on the doctrinal grounds that her compassion proceeds only from the grace merited by Christ's sacrifice. If that decision is now reversed, making of Mary a goddess figure unrecognisable to Muslims or other monotheists, the present hopeful atmosphere of shared devotion to God and commitment to moral renewal in the world will be gravely damaged. We urge the Vatican to rein in this particular enthusiasm.
Abdal Hakim Murad
Cambridge
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments