U.K.: ISLAM & TOLERANCE, READERS RESPOND

Islam and tolerance

Sir – David Green (Letters, November 29) tells us that Christianity has had 500 more years than Islam to develop tolerance. Christian tolerance of Islam is seen by Christians as a virtue, but by Muslims as a weakness. Muslim intolerance of Christians is seen by Muslims as a virtue. It will take more than 500 years to reconcile them.

Dr David Murray, Huntingdon, Cambs

Sir – The "maturity and tolerance" of modern Muslims is apparent only in societies that have traditionally been Christian. In societies where Islam is dominant, things are different.

Colin Broughton, Epping, Essex

Sir — Your photograph of Muslim multitudes demonstrating against the Pope for having pointed out (along with Manuel II Paleologus) Islam's violent nature reminded me of the late Ivor Cutler.In one of his philosophical discourses, he pronounces himself peace-loving, and then adds that he "will hit the man who says I'm not". Could it be that Ivor Cutler has had more influence on Islam than has so far been admitted?

Peter Horton, Ilfracombe, Devon