I made an interesting discovery when I learned that my letters to the Concord Monitor were being listed in Google. One was about prayers being said in a public venue. I criticized a clerk's comment to the effect that people who don't like prayers don't have to come where they are being read. I then asked how the clerk would feel if Wiccans were reading a prayer to the devil?

I was astonished to read a large number of letters at the same Google site criticizing my letter saying that Wiccans do not worship the devil. I readily admit to ignorance in this matter and apologize.

I would, however, add an explanation of how this error came about. I have read about religious practice in feudal times, which made the churches the exclusive domain of the nobility. The serfs, excluded from those churches, resorted to devil worship. Reading this made me realize that devil worship was merely a poor man's religion.

So my disdain for beliefs in devils, ghosts and the like makes the concept of devils rather innocuous.

But that is not all! I found a feeling of politeness and understanding in the letters critical of me, so much in short supply in today's bitter debate. This increases my respect for Wiccans.

MURRAY LOSS

Hillsboro