Let’s ignore the controversial topics

We’ve received quite a few letters in response to the story Sympathy for the Devil? published in last week’s Roodepoort record.

Those who responded were outraged that we dare publish anything about Satanism.

To those who found it damaging and offensive, I apologise.

Before I move on, I wish to clarify a few points.

Our journalist Riaan van Zyl received a lot of flak for writing the story. Riaan is not the culprit. I suggested a story on the topic and Riaan pursued the idea. I approved the story as Riaan’s approach to writing it was not to discriminate against any person or group, and at the same time not to align himself with the subject of the story.

I could gather that readers were upset mainly for two reasons: a) the decision to publish a story about Satanism and b) the telephone number published with the story.

In the past we have featured stories on various belief structures, including Satanism and Paganism. We also published informative articles (such as the one last week) on controversial subjects such as Free Masonry, extra-terrestrial contact with humans and ghost hunting.

In all these cases we remained as objective as humanly possible. Why? Because no one gave us the authority or right to criticise and condemn anyone else’s belief structure, religion, opinions, culture et cetera.

In the past we published police comment about the possibility that certain crimes might be linked to Satanism. For this reason the story subject contacted us, as he is of the opinion that there are different forms of Satanism and that some (as the one he is involved in) do not practice the rituals they are accused of in the media and in society.

I thought it fair to give him an opportunity to explain his side of the story.

We did expect reaction to the story; however instead of healthy debate around the issue, we received only complaints and objections because we published an article of that nature.
I hope this clarifies my motives and that no harm was intended.