but it seems that when religious bodies attain any degree of power and influence in the running of the state or the lives of ordinary people, there are those who will use that influence to evil ends

I don't think that's a peculiarity of religion or that religion is the cause, Jim. I would say that nasty people have and will continue to use ANY difference (you know they are not like us rather than a German, and therefore bad and or the cause of our problems) to further their own ends and I do sadly agree that religion has got caught up in this far too often.

The Catholic Church is still reeling under two reports which have uncovered a large number of cases of child abuse by the Catholic clergy, possibly going back at least a century. A further enquiry is about to be launched into the abuse of young women employees of The Magdelene Laundries.

While I agree it was awful and inexcusable, I don't think it's the same type of abuse of power as above.

I am from an Irish Catholic background and my interest in music has brought me into contact with many ordinary Catholics, largely older people. I have great difficulty in equating the kind, gentle friendships we have experienced over the last four decades with the behaviour of their church.

I don't have your wealth of experience but I've played in a few good sessions where I've known Irish protestants and Irish Catholics are present. I agree some things are difficult to equate...