Sir – Daniel Emlyn-Jones (Letters, March 12) accuses me of being ethnocentric, but I did not mention the specific example of Charlie Hebdo, preferring to make a more general point. I can assure him I would feel the same way regardless of race or creed. He makes an assumption without evidence to support it.
I am not sure what he means by pornographic. The only cartoon I could find that might fit the bill in some people’s minds, involved a kiss, and was making a point about the appalling treatment of gay people, many would think an entirely valid one. I find Holocaust denial disgusting, but I would not ban it. Freedom entails putting up with things we don’t like.
As for Stephen Fry’s remarks, Mr Emlyn-Jones misses the point, they were directed towards a God supposed to exist, but allowing the suffering of children. The Archbishop could have suggested, as Mr Emlyn-Jones appears to, that the existence of God is irrelevant, but that would have given the game away. Mr Emlyn-Jones’ idea of how to be a better person might not find universal acceptance.
Paul Surman, Horspath
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here