Some Catholic correspondents in local newspapers are very upset that all the sleazy details of the sex abuse by priests have been exposed rather than having been swept under the carpet. The reason why they’re so upset is because their Church’s honour and reputation are involved. If a layman’s honour and reputation had been involved, they wouldn’t have cared less whether all the details were divulged or not. Some correspondents and columnists even try to excuse abusive priests.

In a recent article, Lino Spiteri pleaded human frailty for abusive priests. I’d like to see Mr Spiteri use the same feeble excuse of human frailty when a layman, rather than a priest, is accused of sexually abusing boys.

In local newspapers, we often see letters by Catholic correspondents who try to excuse abusive priests by telling us “let him who is without sin cast the first stone”. I’d like to see the same Catholics using the same excuse before a magistrate if they happen to commit a crime. We’ll see how far they get with their biblical quotation before the judge!

A female correspondent, who contributes letters on all kinds of subjects − from dubious saints to bikinis − recently complained that the Maltese victims of sex abuse by priests are now asking for a “pound of flesh”. Well, at least, they’re not asking that the offending priests should drown themselves “in the depth of the sea”, as Jesus told those who offend children to do!

John Guillaumier

ST JULIAN’S