Madam, – Reuben Coulter (May 26th) made sweeping allegations of child abuse against Irish missionaries in African, seemingly based on RTÉ's Prime Timeprogramme. The distinguishing thing about that programme was its attack on named individuals who apparently had never been convicted by any court. What happened to the old principle that everyone is assumed innocent until proven guilty? This programme was a prime example of trial by media, innuendos and an emotive rush to judgment. It is something of which anyone who believes in justice and the rule of law should be thoroughly ashamed.
There was not a word about the undoubted good the Catholic Church has done in Africa in the fields of health, education and welfare over very many years and the sacrifices of the many good missionaries, all unjustly tarred as perverts. – Yours, etc,