Madam, - Owen McNestry (July 5th) takes issue with my letter of June 29th. I was referring to Catholic members of Amnesty leaving the organisation because of its support for women's rights in parts of Africa where the rape of women and young girls is an everyday occurrence. As Catholics this is entirely up to them, but Amnesty has a duty to protest and protect everyone and not be guided by the principles of one particular religion.
I used the phrase "narrow religious beliefs". I said nothing about the lack of belief in God. Quite the opposite. I believe God is to be found in the compassion of Amnesty and anyone else for these violated, defenceless girls.
- Yours, etc,
DERMOT SWEENEY, Ushers Island, Dublin 8.