Sir, Simon Caldwell gave a misleading account of the situation in Medjugorje (“Appearances can be downright deceptive”, Feb 11).
The Catholic Church is always very guarded in approving any supernatural claims: it would be most damaging if any claims were immediately confirmed, and understandably it would be foolish to make a considered judgment until the “apparitions” have ceased.
Cardinal Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, has never forbidden any Catholics from going to Medjugorje: what is not allowed is for priests to lead pilgrims going there. This is quite normal. Medjugorje has never been condemned, except by an early incomplete report, and at present the bishops of the area have a commission looking into what is happening.
As to the “visionaries”: they have been subjected to every modern test science can find, questioned by psychologists and theologians. The only confirmed results are that no scientific explanations can be found for what is happening. Their replies all confirm the faith they live, and no divergence can be found. Regarding the length of time this has been going on (25 years this summer, not 20 as stated), I would find it extremely difficult to keep a false story going on from childhood or mid-teens for such a length of time without contradicting myself.
It is no good complaining about the secrets: they are secret. They will be released at the time they are intended to be released. Yes, there are some cures in Medjugorje, but the vast majority of the estimated 30 million (not four or five million as suggested) visitors find their faith renewed, sometimes greatly renewed, and their lives renewed.
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BILL SHEPPY
Taunton
Sir, I enjoyed the joke “Lost in Transit” (report, Feb 11) that suggested that the Royal Mail had lost Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church. It has more accuracy than many may appreciate.
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Paul refers in I Corinthians V:9 to a previous letter warning the church to separate from immoral Christians which has in fact gone astray. Given Royal Mail’s record, further “scriptures” may yet be delivered.
KEN SNEATH
Godmanchester, Cambs