1 RARELY write letters to editors though I am sometimes pained by the degree of intolerance shown in some of the correspondence in your "Letters to the Editor" column. Neither is this written with the idea of getting into print — but my protest is made directly to you in regard to the feature entitled "Diabolical Correspondence" (July 25).
I cannot adequately express the hurt I felt on reading this unfortunate diatribe, not only for myself personally but for the many other very sincere and totally dedicated Sisters I have come across who, for various reasons, wear lay clothes either all or part of the time. It is not my intention to argue for or against this practice, but to
protest strongly against the truly insulting insinuations and statements which I would not expect to find in a paper of the calibre of the Catholic Herald.
I write, not as a misguided "nun-patient" but as a mature Religious of 32 years standing, most of which have been spent in hospitals where the relationships of body and soul are daily apparent. Currently I work in the school providing for children with special needs where total daily commitment is our only source of strength in meeting the demands made upon us.
Occasionally, I know, some may act unwisely and go too far, but don't we all commit follies from time to time in our lives even Ruthless? Such follies are usually attributable to misplaced zeal or inexperience and God is the judge, but to describe them as a fifth column is, to me, the ultimate in small-minded intolerance.
Please, dear Editor, don't hurt the many devoted Religious in or out of habits, by printing such blatantly nasty contributions under the cover of conveniently anonymous authorship. They represent satire in the worst possible taste and do nothing but discredit your paper. I shall he more than happy if you convey my feelings to Ruthless whoever he or she may be!
Sr Bettine Tarver
Broadstairs