The Catholic Church and its critics

Madam, - Your letters and comments page excelled itself on Wednesday

Madam, - Your letters and comments page excelled itself on Wednesday. In one corner of the page we had Kevin Myers putting forward his view on the present pontiff's predilection for the creation of more and more saints - a view which many of the Pope's co-religionists might share. But, as ever, Mr Myers had seemingly set out not to influence readers, but simply to anger and upset as many people as possible.

His description of St Teresa of Avila's spiritual experiences, for instance, will be considered deeply offensive by anyone who knows anything about her life.

Then, at the bottom of the same page we had Pat Buckley, the 21st century's would-be Martin Luther, spelling out for us the changes the Catholic Church must implement if it is to survive its present crisis.

Whatever about the sincerity of his views - and again I suspect that many Catholics would agree with a number of his suggestions - I fear they are unlikely to have the same impact as the 95 Theses nailed to the church door at Wittenberg on October 31st, 1517.

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The Catholic Church may be experiencing difficulties but coming under fire simultaneously from Messrs Myers and Buckley may simply persuade the Hierarchy that they must be doing something right. - Yours, etc.,

GERARD BURNS, Richhill, Co Armagh.