IT was only to be expected that an agnostic (R Watmaugh, Letters, January 11) would challenge the hurt many Christians no doubt felt by he Rev Ian Johnson's dread' of the Christmas period, especially in St Mary's parish.

Would that he had said he felt merely abashed and challenged at a demanding two weeks ahead' (Mr Watmaugh's words). But in fact the Rev Johnson put it disgracefully (December 29) as a dread of having to write Christmas sermons, attend carol services, pat children's heads, all of which should be a happy part of any priest's Christmas.

Sorry, Mr Watmaugh, but as a non-Christian you just wouldn't understand the essence of the Christian faith.

MRS SHEILA CLAYTON, Southampton.