TOM MCCARTHY’S stated criteria for free speech are “standards of decency and sensitivity regarding the feelings of others”. Presumably, if we do not adopt the standards then we, according to Tom McCarthy, should not state our views? If we actually apply the criteria then we, hopefully, should all be spared the preaching of priests, bishops and all the Christian clergy, given the numerous nefarious crimes and atrocities committed by the Christian church?

So, where was the sensitivity, Tom McCarthy, when about 200,000 women were burnt as witches? In the Spanish Inquisition?

Where’s the decency in the numerous ongoing and past sexual abuse scandals? Or indeed in the categorising of all newborns as sinful?

Given the above immorality of the Christian church, I think my description of the originators of the Bible as a bunch of superstitious goat herders is valid.

Perhaps “mad bunch” would be more accurate?

Terry Banfield, Cardigan Crescent, Cwmbran