Madam, – John Waters writes that the Ryan report has been appropriated “by actors intent on burying Irish Christianity” (“A lone voice against the axis of State and church”, June 19th).
I have not noticed any reports of thespians with spades over their shoulders marching on the archbishop’s palace.
What I have noticed through your pages is a number of correspondents pointing out, in moderate terms, the criminal behaviour of those who enabled child abusers to continue their evil deeds, and asking why they continue to be treated with an undue deference. Perhaps Mr Waters could re-read his own article. Towards the end of it he rightly points out “the establishment will defend the indefensible to the bitter end. When Cyril Daly denounced the Irish education system on US television in 1971, he was declared ‘anti-clerical’.”
In an article that draws attention to a brave man who confronted the alliance of church and the State, it is a pity that Mr Waters declares “anti-clerical” those who continue the struggle. – Yours, etc,