IN reply to Michael Baldasera (HAS, Mar 21) within numerous writings and speeches Hitler expressed a belief that his persecution of the Jews was the “will of the Almighty creator”.

Simply put, 2,000 years of anti- Semitism by the Church influenced the views which led to the Holocaust.

I’m not anti-Christian or anti religion, but when someone of faith makes ignorant comments about such as Halloween and homosexuals etc, they should expect to be challenged and even be reminded of past actions.

This includes recent events in Northern Ireland, centuries of slavery still effect American, European and African politics, continuing denial of rights and witch finding.

Pope John Paul II did apologise in 1995 for many atrocities committed by the church. But such an apology doesn’t negate responsibility for having to deal with the consequences those atrocities have in the present.

I apologise to Michael Baldasera, Tony Kelly and anyone else who I may have offended, and hope they’ll consider this as drawing a line under the subject matter.

CT Riley, Spennymoor.