Law applies to all

In our secular world, paedophiles and abusers lose their livelihood, are prosecuted, jailed, monitored on release and subsequently kept away from children. There is a plethora of evidence to demonstrate that Mary Bell's church (Letters, 23 February) believes different standards should apply to its priests and nuns, thus setting itself and the criminal element within its clergy above and beyond not only normal secular standards but also the rule of law.

I won't argue with her regarding percentages. Even if only a tiny minority, the impact that this group has had far exceeds its size. I have reviewed my earlier correspondence and don't believe that my remarks can, in any way, be read as inclusive of all Catholic clergy, even by association; it was certainly not my intention.

Mary Bell has, rightly, condemned the actions of the minority; has she, and others, the courage to condemn the behaviour of her church throughout this sordid affair?

M DUNCAN

Craigie Road,

Perth