Dear Editor,

Sheila Massiah in her letter captioned "Fr Hardless is misleading about the Church and abortion" [ please note: link provided by LOSP web site ] (17.12.2001) says she is a Catholic but does not accept the teaching authority of the Pope, she says that his teaching is not authentic.

Sir, that is the reason why in my letter to you I deliberately used the words " Faithful Catholic" to distinguish us from the other type of Catholic. Of course I know that there are many Catholics out there who refuse to subject themselves to the teaching authority of the Church. I was not speaking on their behalf.

The views I expressed are those of a priest who is subject to the teaching authority of the Catholic church, which I proudly embrace. I believe the views I express are the same as my Bishop and millions of Catholics throughout the world.

We believe and accept that the Lord Jesus appointed Peter to be the head of his Church. We believe that the Pope John Paul 11 is the true shepherd chosen by God to lead and guide his flock and we listen to his voice. We believe that the Holy Spirit will guide him not to lead his flock astray. I personally believe that history will judge him as being one of the great Popes of all time. I have no problem with Sheila Massiah saying that she is a Catholic and living outside of the flock doing her own thing!