"Bill Donoghue, the president of the Catholic League, has said that he fears the film may cause children to read the books, which “promote atheism for kids”. "

And that's a bad thing? At least kids of religious parents might have their minds opened by alternatives in that case.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

For an organisation with a record on child protection as abysmal as the catholic church to object to anything as being unwholesome to children is hypocrisy of the worst kind.

Pete, Leeds,

You'd think the Catholic church would keep it's head down, at least for a while.
What with all their paedophile priests and the Bishops that cover up for them, I would love to see somebody make a film based on that, or maybe the Magdalene Laundries.
Or how about a film showing how the Catholic hierarchy worked hand in hand with Herr Hitler?
Really! With so many other things to worry about, and they get uptight about a novel, I would rather my children read Philip Pullman stories, than the genocide, rape, incest, infanticide, and the rest of the nonsense that is the bible.

Alan C., Shetland,

If anyone can think of an effective way for Catholics to resist calculated insult, perhaps they would like to share it? Why on earth shouldn't Catholics boycott a film designed to demonise them? Why should they have to endure jeers at their powerlessness for so doing?

As far as I know, only the favoured and violent have rights in these matters, in modern Britain.

Roger Pearse, Ipswich,

Barbara, as I recall several of the muslims protesting about the cartoons ended up with criminal convictions for inciting violence and murder. Anyway no-one is suggesting that the catholic church (or indeed individual adherents to any faith) cannot criticise or call for a boycott of the film. Ms McDonagh is merely pointing out that it is likely to bestow a 'cool' notoriety upon it that may end up being counter-productive as people rush to see what the fuss is all about.

Stuart, London,

Barbara , If you dont like the fact that in the UK we dont discriminate against women/jews/gays etc.. then you are free to leave ...

rich, uk,

So ... I don't understand why Catholics are boycotting and not other religious groups if the film promotes atheism ? Atheists don't believe in any religion so why aren't other religions following suit ?
Barbara , I have a suggestion ... MOVE , if you super fed up . Quite frankly I'm fed up listening to religious nutters .

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

I am not religious.I born in a catholic country and I super fed up of seeing how Catholic have even to accept gay and lesbian adoption in this country,which is an insult to the believers...WHEN no reproachs is never done to Mulsim who can protest again movie,cartoons and everybody is understanding bse they are mulsim and even wearing veil in a democratic country where religion should never have anything to do with governements.Same for any religions in this country.

Of course the Vatican defends it dogma...Why it is so surprising...?Perhaps the reader should read a bit of history ...
Let them be,as they want...Freedom of taughts and belief should not only be in one way!

Barbara, London, UK