It’s a crime The Pact is now over

IN THE desert of modern TV, crass, politically correct and shallow, the crime series The Pact, right, was an interesting and rather clever relief.

I cared about several of the characters. Most of the dialogue was believable, the glimpses of the lives of others were fascinating.

The beautiful Welsh settings and the music were good, too. It even managed not to be (mainly) about child abuse. There was no gratuitous sex.

But it was just six episodes. How we need a new Inspector Morse, a thoughtful, likeable detective in a beautiful place, pursuing clever killers through a labyrinth of clues.

LET me be clear here that, despite my political disdain for him, I wish Al Johnson and Carrie happiness and contentment, and long life in which to enjoy them. Goodness knows, many second and third marriages work out well.

Plenty of people no longer wish to live by the old rules, and that is their choice. My worry is about the Roman Catholic Church. Just as I have long wondered what the point of the Labour Party is if it will not r enationalise t he r ai l ways, what is the point of the Catholic Church if it does not stand for lifelong marriage?

The Vatican is supposed to be tough, for heaven’s sake. I’m CofE and the leaders of my Church are softer than sponge cakes on such great questions.

But actually, Christianity teaches: ‘What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’ In my view this is the foundation of private life, of strong, stable independent families and so of a free society. But if it does not apply in Westminster Cathedral, where does it apply?