SEAMUS KILLEEN,
Madam, The crimes committed by Myra Hindley were revolting and heinous.
John Waters (November 18th) says "If there is a hell, Myra Hindley will rot in it." The concept of forgiveness is central to the Christian life. It does not exclude Myra Hindley. No-one says forgiveness is easy or trite. Was it easier for Senator Wilson to forgive the murderers of his beautiful, young daughter than it is for Winnie Johnson to forgive Myra Hindley?
If we exclude forgiveness we put hate in its place. This is a vice which eats away and festers in the heart. Hate makes us turn in on ourselves does great harm to the person who harbours it. As James Stephens said "Hate slams the door on life killing the hater." -Yours, etc.,
SEAMUS KILLEEN, Glencarraig, Sutton, Dublin 13.