This is in response to Edgar Marston’s letter of June 18. He commented on an article in which the pope said he wants to protect children from abusive priests. Marston wrote that the pope should allow priests to marry.

I know of no other profession than the priesthood where people could use that excuse.

If a man worked at a summer camp and was caught abusing boys, people would assume that was why he took the job. Why don’t people think the same for priests?

A straight man without the companionship of a woman doesn’t suddenly turn to young boys out of frustration.

I know people think of most priests as being noble, honest and preachers of morals. Perhaps that makes it more difficult for people to accept what a few priests might do.

John Henry, Topsham