BY BESS TWISTON DAVIES
DI 1 atuNci belief to he the new "bling-bling" Cosmopolitan, the woman's magazine renowned for an obsession with sex, has appointed an agony aunt to answer the spiritual con CCITIS of its readers.
"In February our spiritual writer will have her first column to respond to letters from the readers," said Caroline Wood. the magazine's publicity manager.
"There's been a huge build-up in interest in spirituality in the media and
from celebrities that we just can't ignore. People are looking for answers, whether from tarot cards, psychics or the Church."
In a feature published next month, the magazine takes an in-depth look at the new thirst for spirituality among "sensible, fun-loving young women" looking for "support for the soul".
Describing them as "spirituality seekers" happy to "mix and match" various religious customs and beliefs, Cosmopolitan says young women are thirsting for religious experience:
"Whether you're into Christ, crystals or retreats to learn the secrets of Native American lndians, belief has bling-bling."
Caroline Wood explained: "The article refers to a huge number of young women returning to the Church. The spiritual column will be looking at the whole spectrum of spirituality. Morality is something we address in every issue."
Catholic family campaigners said that this approach merely reduced spirituality to a consumer trend.
Lynette Burrows said: "Cosmopolitan sees spirituality as a consumer desire, to be satisfied according to the tenets of political correctness. What they mean by
morality is that every minority. except racists, is equal in the eyes of God. Appointing a spiritual writer is like re-decorating a brothel: it doesn't change what's inside.
"This is people calling out for bread and being given stones. They've nothing to offer. The only thing they
seriously worship is money."