Stuck in the Dark Ages 1

One need not cross the Atlantic for empirical evidence that "science versus religion" is a media-driven false opposition ("The dogma delusion", 23 September). Nor should there be surprise that a professorial figure such as Pope Benedict XVI felt compelled to remark upon such matters during his recent visit to St Mary's University College.

The UK's university sector has its roots in the Christian Church's commitment to education, grounded in the conviction that "the truth shall set you free". In this light, any discussion about whether there is a place for the faithful in the academy is as Pythonesque as asking whether there is room for commoners and foreigners. Anyone working in the sector who bases their view of religion and scholarship on a cartoon version of the Galileo affair or the polemics of recent times should try to do some further reading.

Anthony Towey, Head, School of Theology, Philosophy, and History, St Mary's University College, Twickenham.