Madam, - I wish to protest! For the past 10 years I have enjoyed reading your newspaper almost daily. I think that a number of years ago I even contributed an article to Rite and Reason. So thank you for keeping me well-informed over the years.
I have often made comments in church on excellent articles, and have never felt the need to complain about your paper until now. Especially on Saturdays I've enjoyed the Weekend Review section. However, the issue of November 17th, containing "Sex and art - from every angle", sullied the good name of your paper, in my view. Are you simply trying to push the boundaries as far as you can? Are there no longer any limits as to what you will print? Is this what we are to expect in the future?
I have never met Mary Russell, and I assume that she is really a very fine person. But why did the paper feel it necessary to ask for a report on the rather sad display in the Barbican? I may be alone in this, but in my view, the article comes close to being "pornography masquerading as art". Would Mary Russell be content to introduce her grandchildren to a world depicting things like "Pan impregnating a goat"? The tone of the article reminded me of the smutty talk we all heard behind the bike-sheds at school.
I do not represent those who think that somehow sex is sordid and sinful. Indeed, it is perhaps the most beautiful gift God has given. That is what I believe and what I teach. I am happily married and delight in my children and grandchildren. This is the first time, as I have said, that I have been agitated enough to respond like this.
If this is the direction in which your paper is heading, this is one reader who will look elsewhere for a daily newspaper. - Yours, etc,
Rev KENNETH A. WILSON, Clonattin, Gorey, Co Wexford.