True atheists would go nowhere near a church
I WAS interested to read the Echo report stating how 52% of the population of Wales does not have any religion.
Many people say they are atheists. However, many make use of the church for their own convenience. How many of these “atheists” own up to this?
My church welcomes everyone, and when couples are asked why they chose the church for their wedding the comments are amazing: “It is cheaper than a hotel”; “we cannot get anywhere at the time we choose”; “the grounds will make lovely photographs”; “my grandparents were married here”.
They then bring their babies to be christened “because it is traditional” and when a family member dies “it is cold to go without a prayer or a blessing”.
My thoughts are that these people sit on the fence to have a foot in both camps, so how many of these were included in the 52%? If they were true non-believers they would not go anywhere near a church.
G Powell
Penarth
Step out with us
I’m writing to encourage your readers to become involved with Dimbleby Cancer Care’s Walk50 summer fundraiser by joining walkers from 7 to 76 supporting those living with cancer, their families and carers.
It is fun as well as invaluable – a 12km, 25km or 50km walk during the night on Friday, June 7, through London. Starting at Westminster Bridge and finishing at Guy’s Cancer Centre, next to the iconic Shard, the route will take us past many of our most famous landmarks including Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Primose Hill, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The event is supported by a team of wonderful volunteers serving refreshments at various points along the way. Dimbleby Cancer Care (DCC) was set up in 1966 in memory of my father, the broadcaster Richard Dimbleby. The charity is based at Guy’s Cancer Centre in London, where NHS staff provide support to cancer patients, their families and carers. Our centre provides information and support at both Guy’s Cancer Centre and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. DCC also operates a nationwide online directory – www.cancercaremap.org – which helps people across the UK locate care and support services near to where they live. Since 2004, DCC has also funded more than £2.7m in grants to researchers seeking to improve cancer care.
This will be my fifth walk. It is not unduly testing, and to hear the enthusiasm from fellow walkers for the work done by DCC is an inspiration if one begins to flag. There are many others who have come from all over the country to take part – it truly is a special event to be part of.
DCC really makes a difference. Your support can make sure we achieve even more.
You can visit www.dimblebycancercare.org/events to find out more and sign up for the event, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter #Walk50
Jonathan Dimbleby
Chair, Dimbleby Cancer Care
Join in vigil for hunger striker
On May Day join us to light a candle for Imam Sis, who has been on hunger strike in Newport for 130 days.
Imam is one of 7,000 Kurds around the world staging a hunger strike for peace and human rights begun by Leyla Guven, a mother and left-wing feminist MP in the Turkish Parliament, calling for Abdullah Öcalan – recognised by Kurds as their political leader, but held in solitary confinement by Turkey since 1999 – to be allowed access to visits from laywers and family.
Since December 17, 2018, Imam, a human rights activist in Wales, has consumed nothing but water, a little salt and sugar, and a single daily B1 and B12 vitamin tablet and one glass of homemade lemonade.
On Wednesday at 7.30pm human rights, trade union, faith and peace groups will gather outside the National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff, for a candlelight vigil for Imam and other Kurds.
Adam Johannes
Adamsdown, Cardiff
