Letters: Cameron's supposed Christian values don't convince

The following letters appear in the 29th March edition of the Independent

David Cameron delivers his Easter message (10 Downing Street)

Stefano Hatfield is right about the hypocrisy of David Cameron pontificating about "Christian values" -- a phrase designed, in Orwell's words, "to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind" -- but he is wrong to suggest that what the prime minister needs to do is "to look within" (28 March). Rather, he needs to look to the source of Easter faith and life, i.e., to Jesus of Nazareth himself.

Even a cursory reading of the gospels indisputably portrays a man who defends the poor and the rich, welcomes the outcast and stranger, rejects violence and blesses peacemakers, practices forgiveness and mercy -- and gets himself killed by speaking truth to power and unmasking its humbug and guff.

But then many a church has only itself to blame -- with a little help from a theologically illiterate media -- for the harebrained idea that being a Christian simply means believing certain stuff about God, being pleasant, working hard, looking after your own, and singing "God Save the Queen".

Revd. Kim Fabricius

Swansea

Well said! (Stephano Hatfield's article in Monday 28th's i.) Cameron's pride in Britain's Christian values mismatching his policies is but another example of what Churchill once said: that Christianity is the flag we fly under but seldom the rudder we steer by.

Rodney Wood

Whitstable, Kent

Home truths about the EU

Our inland security will not necessarily be any greater if we exit the EU (Letters, 28th March). Our membership means citizens have the right to travel and work here. However, as we are not party to the Schengen agreement, they still have to show their passport, so it is wrong to claim we would "regain control of our borders".

We should remember also that, in the attack on London in 2005, the perpetrators came from Leeds.

Richard Walker
Malvern

When Jeremy Hunt last week warned that "Brexit" will lead to NHS "cuts and falling standards" and "an exodus of doctors," had he perhaps confused the terms "Brexit" and "Jeremy Hunt?"

Dr Jonathan Barnes

Anaesthetics Core Trainee

University College Hospital, London

There's more to Palmyra than military wins

In welcoming the liberation of Palmyra from the murderous grip of Daesh/Isis we should not forget the sacrifice of Khaled al-Assad who was beheaded there last August, and who devoted his life to the preservation and interpretation of the city’s ruins.

If we value his memory and the cultural values he stood for, the whole civilised world should ensure the monument is safeguarded for future generations.

Colin Wakeling

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Independently digital

This won't do. The Independent arrived on my tablet just after midnight and I couldn't resist reading the stories that grabbed my attention. I used to get out of bed to read the morning paper but from now on, it seems I'll be taking the midnight paper to bed instead. I think I need counselling. Help me.

David Rose

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

Unlike some of your recent correspondents I welcome the change to the digital format. I spend many weeks of the year in Spain, and I can now read the same things that I received - and still receive at home in Wales.

I am very worried, however, about those who claimat ´over 60´ to be old and therefore unfamiliar with the simple technology of using a computer or laptop. I am 76 and have found this change of considerable benefit to me, giving me the familiar appearance of The Independent, turning pages to find exactly what I am looking for, being able easily to take clippings to share with friends, and the making of it available wherever I want to receive it.

For me it is not just ´normal service continues’, it is a considerable improvement in availability, including the case that my wife and I can receive it separately, at the same time if necessary, and in my access away from home.

Norman Mills

Newport, Wales

What a pleasure sitting at breakfast on Bank Holiday Monday, both with our tablets, doing the crossword together (we usually do half each). This digital thing may work yet!

Jill Buss

Alresford, Hampshire