PETER Elliott’s attempt at being witty regarding my legitimate comment on a local news story certainly fell flat (Letters, April 17).

In his rush to deploy sarcasm, Mr Elliott ignored my curiosity to what lies behind the mindset of immersive baptism, for instance on the steps of York Minster as reported in The Press, and its historical pagan roots.

He included a muddled exposé concerning his assumptions of my political leanings, admonishing me for castigating those in political power.

Mr Elliott’s delusion that castigating politicians whose bad policies hurt the disadvantaged is tilting at windmills is silly, as they aren’t imaginary enemies.

As he reminds us the tragic defeat of the Anglo Saxons by William the Bastard and his thugs began the network of stone castles to subjugate the English utilising the Church through Norman bishops and barons.

Mr Elliott appears ignorant about aspens which were spiritual to the pagans and supposedly used for Christ’s cross, their trembling leaves due to this horror, and that Christian rituals are of pagan origin.

I didn’t say the Minster should be demolished but inferred a preference to harmony with nature. Al fresco preaching and meditation are after all prevalent in the Jesus story.

Tom Scaife, Manor Drive, York.