Britain's military bishop criticizes housing conditions for personnel

Published: 2007-11-07

LONDON (CNS) -- A military bishop criticized the British government over "appalling" conditions of housing used by the armed forces and their families. Bishop Tom Burns of the Forces, Britain's military diocese, demanded an immediate injection of cash to raise the quality of dilapidated military accommodations. The English bishop also called on the Ministry of Defense to provide instant access to postoperative care for soldiers sent home wounded from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The condition of many service quarters has been described as 'appalling' -- here and now," the bishop said in a pastoral letter to be sent to all Catholic military personnel and their families for the Nov. 11 celebration of Remembrance Sunday, the day on which Britain honors its war dead. "Only a lump sum injected without delay will bring positive effects to the quality of life and support that a family gives to one of its own in the Forces -- now, at a time of conflict, rather than waiting until later," Bishop Burns said.

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