Article (Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor): Regulation must not trump conscience

The debate about the role to be played by Roman Catholic adoption agencies has brought into public awareness the outstanding contribution they make to the common good. In his statement on Monday evening, the Prime Minister expressed his desire not to lose this expertise. Indeed, one of the terms of reference for the independent assessment panel that is to be established is to find ways to ensure that "the valuable expertise of faith-based adoption agencies in successfully placing the most vulnerable children, including the full range of post-adoption services, is retained and developed".

For this reason, I welcome the two-year period that has been established in which to find a practical way forward. But I want to make it clear that our agencies must be able to act with integrity and in accordance with Catholic principles and should not be asked to do otherwise.

Furthermore, I cannot deny a deep sense of disappointment at the failure of the Government to respond more flexibly to our fundamental concerns. Read more