Annie Benefield is to be commended for her courage in speaking out (“Betrayals of Faith”, December 7).

Few understand not just the financial cost but the personal and emotional price that is incurred by victims. Hers is not the last story, I suspect, to be told. Her resolution, strength of character and conviction will encourage others to come forward.

Commendation also to the journalist who put the story together. People like Benefield can help prevent future exploitation of the vulnerable.

Hugh Allan (Auckland)

As a committed Catholic, I feel compelled to respond to “Betrayals of faith”. It seems to me the suggestion is that the problem is just a couple of “bad eggs” who just need to be weeded out, and all will be well. The victim is actually quoted as saying, “It wasn’t the church who had done this. It was those men.”

But as the article acknowledges, the problem is widespread. It quotes a US study where it is estimated that up to 40% of clergy have engaged in sexual misconduct, and we know