[Daphne – I don’t think they do it to attract women, Gerald.]

@Christine

Catholic priests should follow the example of Orthodox priests. I do not know why they do not marry. Even St.Peter had a wife.

There’s an old saying in the English language: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” It’s usually used by kids to retort against other kids calling them names, and it means that nothing you can call me will hurt me. It applies here!!

I was actually expecting you to reply to my comment in this vein! However, no amount of disparaging remarks can intimidate some people (I am one of them) from speaking out when they feel strongly about something – you, for one should relate to that! – but surely it stands to reason that one should be able to comment liberally in such blogs without having to be continually called this, that and the other, when they don’t agree with what you write!

In principle, I really respect the fact that, as a journalist, you are gutsy enough to speak out openly on most issues (doesn’t mean I always agree with what you write) but I feel that the some common courtesy should be afforded to those who post counter-comments. After all, that’s what healthy debate is all about.

You will probably censor this comment – we’ll see 

[Daphne – Christine, blogs don’t have censors. They have editors, like newspapers – or they should do – so please learn the difference. Actually, I find your missionary zeal amusing. Religious zealots who are not a threat to the lives, health or rights of others are entertaining and part of the colour of life. Quite frankly, I don’t care what religious rules you use to govern your life (tolerance doesn’t seem to be one of them) as long as you don’t insist that everyone else does the same – which, I believe, you are busy doing on matters of divorce and stay-at-home mothers.]

This is a case when an erm, identification parade,would have helped clinch the verdict I guess.

It doesn’t matter what you or anyone believes…….. Factum est.

@ Meerkat

The comment wasn’t a personal one. What I meant is that I feel there is nothing to be gained from gossip (good or bad) in this case. People will believe what they want to believe no matter what they are told.

[Daphne – You missed your century, Christine. The Inquisition is no longer. Stick to chasing cassocks. Gejja bil- factum est.]

Outraged tones are not my style. I hate bossiness under any form.

I think I have stuck up for the priest in question. I fail to see why you should have expected better. I said that the woman in question apparently had ulterior motives in making her claim. I also said that the courts found the priest to be innocent. I passed on the info that I heard which puts the woman in a bad light.

[Daphne – I imagine that you fell short of her expectations by not adopting an outraged tone.]