Notre Dame will rise again to grace the city of Paris

Reflecting on the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris, a piece of scripture came into my mind: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19).

Notre-Dame de Chartres, the third church built on this site from the ninth century, was extensively damaged in 1194 and subsequently rebuilt as we know it today.

The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims where French monarchs were crowned for centuries was fire damaged in 1210 and was rebuilt by 1345, only to be ravaged by bombing in World War I. Restoration was begun in 1919 and completed in 1938.

Even St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney was destroyed by fire in 1865 and rose again, more splendid than before.

The immense golden cross on the high altar at Notre-Dame de Paris stands triumphant among the rubble. A visit to Notre-Dame de Paris is unforgettable experience. I am fortunate to have given two solo organ recitals there in 2004 and 2015. Moreover, it was a privilege to have had the entire building to myself as I practised during the night hours. Notre-Dame de Paris will rise again.

Pastor de Lasala, Seaforth, NSW

Devotees of architecture, history and Christianity will understandably lament the fire at Notre Dame. But we might look beyond the smoking ruins and smile at anticipation of the rebuild, perceiving a parable of dying and rising that is at the heart of Easter.

Since no cathedral is immune to fire, its architects may well have anticipated the rogue element, never dreaming it might be delivered by clumsy renovators. We all must learn the hard way.

David d’Lima, Sturt, SA

Sweet win for science

Judge Salvator Vasta’s ruling in the Peter Ridd case is one of Australia’s finest-hour moments. Victories seldom come any sweeter than this. There is a lesson for our universities to respect freedom of speech, to nurture debates on conflicting views and to conduct their affairs in a decent and responsible way.

The judge has made it that much easier for others in our universities to express their views without fear of persecution.

Jeevan Soorya Dhas, Parrearra, Qld

Coming the raw prawn

I see Barry Humphries has fallen out of favour with the politically correct organisers of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. How ironic is that?

The removal of the Barry Award introduced as an acknowledgment of the contribution of Humphries to Australian comedy is ludicrous. Don’t those responsible for this decision realise that Humphries made his name in the comedy arena for being politically incorrect?

Humphries heaped satire on almost every conceivable aspect of Australian life. This was his trade mark. However, a politically incorrect statement has led to his demise.

The Australian community should realise that it is being far too precious in the pursuit of its ideals.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

Antithetical views

Banging on about freedom of speech and freedom of religion is disingenuous. Israel Folau is in trouble because his employer has a commercial position that is compromised by comments he has been advised were incompatible with his employment.

Folau is pursuing his faith now as he did before the issue blew up, and nobody has made any attempt to silence him. His views are antithetical to many, and to continue his employment could compromise Rugby Australia and its sponsors.

We should learn what freedom of speech and freedom of religion are. That starts with not expecting to be treated as a privileged minority. Say and pray as you will, but do not expect the rest of us to silence ourselves to protect thin skins.

Stephen Morgan, Carina Heights, Qld