In respect of Cafod’s activities, Peter Foster argues (The Tablet, 15 November) that lobbying in relation to climate change diverts funds from practical projects with tangible benefits. But is it not a well established principle that prevention is better than cure? And surely all the more so when what is being prevented is precisely the kind of human misery resulting from those natural disasters which the scientific consensus acknowledges to be exacerbated, if not generated, by man-made climate change?
Unfortunately, humanity’s catastrophic dependence on damaging fossil fuels to maintain its standard of living is deeply ingrained, and there is thus a natural unwillingness, particularly on the part of the “haves”, to acknowledge and thus address its devastating consequences. These consequences inexorably fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable and voiceless. In raising awareness of these issues and pricking some complacent consciences, is not Cafod contributing to the most important “specific effect” in this arena, and taking an important step towards promoting what is genuinely the common good?
Joseph MJ Maloney, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester
As a long-term supporter of Cafod I was sad to read Richard Brooke's suggestion (The Tablet, 15 November) that Cafod should think about a merger with Christian Aid. Cafod represents Caritas Internationalis in England and Wales. This makes it part of a huge, world-wide network, and enables it to respond so effectively when disaster strikes, e.g. in the Philippines just over a year ago.
Also, over many years, via its education programmes and campaign programmes at home, Cafod has been an amazing educator and spiritual leader of Catholics and their families. As a volunteer, I visited Central America on a Cafod exposure visit, a year after the six Jesuit priests were murdered. This event would have gone unnoticed had it not been for Cafod's concern.
In Wales the co-operation between Christian Aid and Cafod has long been a priority, strengthened in the 1980s and 90s by the approach of the then National Organiser for Wales, Peter Heneker. This year it was good to see Cafod in the CYTUN pavilion again (Churches Together in Wales). As Catholics, we have an organisation of which we should be truly proud, in Cafod.
Sue Scanlon, Cardiff
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