Scotland can live without Pope's blessing

While I'm not surprised, nothing could make me happier. In Scotland, we allow our women control over their careers and their bodies; consenting adults may enjoy the company of whoever they choose; and 80 per cent of us live happily without being bossed around by a crozier-wielding nutcase. That the Father Confessor treats us all with a sneer merely serves to demonstrate just how well the Scots can get along without him.

And while it may be too damp and cold for the Pontiff's tastes, we've got scenery, too – at least until the new Beauly-Denny power line is built.

When I moved here many years ago, my wise old technology teacher told me that, no matter where you were in Scotland, you could drive for an hour and be "in God's country". While the wording was inaccurate, the sentiment is spot on. Better yet, it's not God's country, it's ours, which suggests that perhaps we Scots are closer to the miracles of existence than Mr Ratzinger can ever hope to be.

If more were needed, you printed your editorial alongside a cartoon of Eck Salmond wearing lipstick, fishnets and suspenders. I can think of no better proof that the Pontiff is misguided in his belief in a loving god.

I am proud to live in a country of which an elderly, deluded virgin "disapproves". Lang may our lums reek, carbon-neutrally, of course.

PAUL A J HAMILTON

Viewforth

Edinburgh

Alistair McBay can moan about the Pope's views for all he wants (Letters, 9 February), the fact is Benedict represents a sizeable recognised body of opinion in this country – which is more than can be said for Mr McBay's so-called "National Secular Society", which is rather cagey on its membership lest anyone get the impression that, for all its grandiose title, it represents merely a handful of particularists.

Can newspaper editors please cease indulging middle-class hobby politicians and others who appoint themselves heads of "organisations" to duvet stuff their views with the pretence of a mass movement, and simply print names and addresses of correspondents?

If not, let every letter writer declare himself or herself to be speaking on behalf of any other pressure group they wish to invent.

MARK BOYLE

National Cheesier Crispy Pancakes Alliance

Linn Park Gardens

Johnstone, Renfrewshire

Does James Macmillan (Letters, 8 February) imagine that his CBE and "London Symphony Orchestra" address lend weight to his childish, petty, snide and ungrammatical remarks about the Reformation?

Once again, he jumps on his hobby-horse, sectarianism in Scotland, and since he views it wholly from one side of the perceived divide, his stance is as bigoted as the bigots he criticises.

Perhaps a fuller understanding of history – European, British and Scottish – might give him a more balanced view, though I doubt it.

The Reformation occurred because the Church of Rome had become so corrupt and concerned with wealth and political power that it had almost abandoned what should have been core Christian beliefs.

While the Reformation brought some changes which are regrettable, on balance, its impact on the lives of our ancestors in Scotland and throughout Europe was predominantly a positive, liberating one.

Would there have been "the Age of Enlightenment" (to which Scotland contributed so much) without the Reformation?

The Church of Rome never has been, and never will be, "the one true church". No denomination can claim this, as all have fallen short of the glory of God.

DOUGLAS HAMILTON

Glenburn

Lamlash, Isle of Arran