Trust the clergy? Hell no!

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In response to Peter Espeut's column, 'The right to discriminate', on April 8:

What unabashed arrogance, particularly given that it comes from a deacon of the Catholic Church. Unless Mr Espeut has evidence to the contrary, previous studies have not indicated increased prevalence of sexual predation on minors perpetrated by homosexual vs heterosexual adults. Of course, those analyses were examining general population trends, not statistical aberrations within particular demographic groups.

Given the well-documented prevalence of sexual predation perpetuated against male minors by members of the Catholic clergy, and the attendant institutional corruption, cover-ups and court cases, it is ironic indeed that Mr Espeut would speak from such a height of assumed moral superiority. Personally, I would much prefer to see my son under the guidance of an openly gay counsellor in a monitored and transparent environment, rather than under the 'spiritual' control of a Catholic priest hidden within what can only be termed a 'secret society'. That one is no-brainer.

I am, etc.,

B.S. WILSON

byron.wilson@uwimona.edu.jm

Irish Town, St Andrew