3 APRIL 2004, Page 29

Smug papists

From Sheila Donaldson Sir: Obviously he doesn't realise it, but P.J. Kavanagh's review of The Catholic Revival in English Literature (Books, 20 March) reflects all the smug offensiveness of papists, particularly the converted variety, besides reminding Protestant England of the ever present danger of their determined persuasion. University graduates, either in spite of or because of all their learning, seemed particularly vulnerable to such 'persuasion'. Perhaps if there were more of them we should hear less of the same few names to the point of tediousness.

Even outside the Catholic press, Protestant conversions never receive such highgrade and repeated promotion, a laissez

faire attitude which is perhaps its essence and of which we should feel proud rather than resentful.

Sheila Donaldson Bromley, Kent