Sir, - I have been a daily reader of The Irish Times for a long time. Never, over the years, have I seen any article that openly ridiculed or insulted Jewish, Protestant or Muslim beliefs and religious practices. Seemingly, traditional Catholicism is the only religion that is fair game for such attacks.
A clear example is John Banville's article "Bad Friday" (The Irish Times, April 8th). It is typical of the ill-natured diatribe indulged in by self-professed lapsed Catholics. It is sickening.
As a Catholic, I strongly protest against this open attack on my religion. And I am not the only Catholic who buys and reads your paper. I am surprised at the insensitivity of publishing such an offensive article during Holy Week.
John Banville, I believe, would be a happier man if he pondered again on why Good Friday is so described. The faith which he claims to have rejected would tell him exactly why. - Yours, etc.,
Maurice Callanan,
Shanganagh Grove, Shankill, Co Dublin.