From Noel Gorman

People are right when they suggest that a lot of lessons can be learned from the Murphy report. They list a lot of what can be learned, but they miss a very important fact. It is the disregard for church teaching by priests and others that has resulted in the abuse of children. An abuse that has to stop.

The church's teaching on sexual matters was never more important than now. Especially in the area of homosexuality – given that most abuse was of a homosexual nature. With this in mind, all of us Christian-Catholics must make sure that the civil partnership bill is defeated, and that politicians that support it don't get re-elected. Increased attendance to daily mass will give us the wisdom and strength to put things right as we pray for the victims and sinners.

Noel Gorman, Carrick Road, Edenderry, Co Offaly

From Eric Conway

Congratulations on your excellent, appropriately balanced, coverage of the Murphy Report. Professional/objective journalism at its best. The only gripe being the contribution from Colm O'Gorman of Amnesty International. A pro-abortion lobby group lecturing us about child abuse – give us a break. Unfortunately for many contributors, the whole purpose of the exercise is simply to indulge in a bout of good old fashioned anti-Catholic bigotry. The liberals' equivalent of bear-baiting.

Without wishing in any way to minimise or excuse the vile abusers, a little balance is required. Two very recent examples from the UK come to mind. Firstly, it has emerged that female sex abusers have infiltrated pre-school play groups to ply their evil trade. Proving just how cunning/devious sexual deviants can be. Wimmin Priests indeed.

Secondly, it has also emerged that right up until the 1970s the UK and Australian authorities (neither predominantly Catholic countries) were involved in the despicable trade of exporting 'on the hoof' vulnerable young orphans for financial convenience. Apart from a very perfunctory/shallow "sorry" from the governments concerned, it's a case of tough, get on with it, it's in the past. Yet the liberal media in those countries have been strangely reticent in their outrage. No prizes for guessing why?

The Catholic (and secular) authorities in the past were wrong/negligent in their response to this evil. However, in fairness they have now implemented procedures which are recognised as being way ahead of all others, particularly by comparison with the state sector.

In the midst of all the agenda-driven clamour, let's give credit where it's due. I won't hold my breath.

Eric Conway, Balreask Village, Navan, Co Meath