SHEILA CROWLEY,
Sir, - I write to express my anger at Patsy McGarry's reporting of Richard Dawkins's attack on the Catholic Church's teachings and beliefs, which he describes as "a force for evil" (The Irish Times, September 24th).
I question the editorial decision that allowed the publication of such a nasty article. In my opinion this served no purpose other than to insult the millions of Catholics for whom faith is of major importance, and a valuable source of comfort which helps them to cope with the stressful life events which we all experience.
The arrogance of Mr Dawkins, who holds strongly atheistic views, in considering himself capable of giving an informed opinion on any religion is astounding. May I assure Mr Dawkins that we Catholics are compos mentis people; our beliefs derive from our faith in God.
We do not subscribe to mythology, to the concept of "organic soup", or to a remarkable molecule formed by accident to explain the origin of life.
We respect the views of those who disagree with us. We deplore the vitriol expressed by Mr Dawkins as reported in The Irish Times. - Yours, etc.,
SHEILA CROWLEY, Gurteenroe, Co Cork.