A LEADING Leigh vicar has praised Prime Minister Tony Blair for his 'moral crusade' launched after reports of two 12 years old girls becoming pregnant.

And he had supported the Bishop of Blackburn in his criticism of TV 'soaps'.

But the Vicar of Pennington and Anglican Area Dean Peter Leakey says the Government can only play a part.

"The rest is up to parents and, I would add, up to every member of society."

And the Area Dean adds: "It is not just sexual morals either. It includes respect for authority, telling the truth, respect and care for others and many other things.

"The question we have to ask ourselves is this : 'What can I do?' To which I would answer, 'pray'. That is the most important thing.

"Only Jesus Christ can change our hearts. So to pray for people's hearts to be changed is not 'the least we can do' but the best. And who else will pray but people who believe and trust in Jesus Christ."

But he says there are other things people who want a new moral purpose can do.

"We can 'speak up' for what is right, even if it's a bother to do it.

"We can write and object to the whole tone of the 'soaps'. They all portray loose morals as though they were the proper norm for people to follow.

"We can encourage others who are trying to make a stand for what is right."

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