The difference is quite clear. The communists have a People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong, in case it encounters the problem of losing control. But as Joseph Stalin opined, 'How many divisions does the Pope have?' Enemies of the Catholic Church need not fear a knock on the door in the middle of the night by the secret police, unlike those citizens on the mainland who dare to oppose Beijing.

The church wanted to be able to run those schools it has built and which its priests, brothers and nuns have staffed for decades, in the true spirit of Catholicism without any danger of it being watered down.

On the other hand, Beijing's communist leaders, although they proudly proclaim themselves to be atheists, arrogantly say they should be allowed to choose Catholic bishops on the mainland. As Hong Kong's freedoms are eroded, how will Catholic schools maintain their independence from atheistic communism unless they are run by boards that consist entirely of committed Catholics?

The greatest difference is illustrated in the report ('No pay for two years, and maid is still waiting', October 17). The Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs has highlighted the plight of Indonesian helpers in Hong Kong and described them as the victims of 'widespread abuse'.

It stands up for women who one presumes would be predominantly Muslim. The Catholic Church, unlike the communists, is not after power, but is out to serve all women and men, of whatever colour, race and religion, in the spirit of Jesus.

Walter Puccetti, Tin Shui Wai

Tsang mixed politics with religion

Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's eagerness to publicise his religious beliefs gets bolder by the day. First he leapt to Chief Secretary Stephen Lam Sui-lung's defence and called him 'a good Christian'.

Next Mr Tsang proclaimed he was deeply offended 'as a religious man' by lawmaker Wong Yuk-man's suggestion that Mr Tsang engaged in 'political incest'. Then most recently, he said his Catholic faith had taught him to forgive someone who had committed adultery.

Perhaps Mr Tsang thinks Hong Kong citizens have amnesia, or that he has forgotten that in 2006, when the pan-democrat camp suggested that he attended [a concert] in support of Beijing students before the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, Mr Tsang [said he had not] and that people should not politicise his religious beliefs.

Yet when his top lieutenant is being rejected by the general public, or when a former colleague needs a boost in popularity, he spares no effort coming to his comrades' rescue by professing his faith.

If he expects the public not to politicise his faith, then maybe he should also abide by his word and not mix governance with religion.

Religious affiliation does not equate with political competence, and more importantly, does not equate with the practice of moral behaviour.

As to whether one should forgive Henry Tang Ying-yen's alleged adultery, it is none of Hong Kong people's business. The only person that this is relevant to is his wife. Let her decide whether her husband should be forgiven.

Paul Louey, Tuen Mun

Nothing wrong with contributions

I refer to the reports concerning leaked online documents that revealed that media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying had donated more than HK$28 million to pan-democratic parties and their supporters.

Some critics have expressed concern that such sums mean that these parties are heavily reliant on Mr Lai and this might affect their decision-making processes.

With regard to suggestions that there might be political interference on his part, let us give him the benefit of the doubt. I respect what he is doing, because he gives generously to the Democratic Party despite not being a member.

Although they enjoy a lot of support and substantial representation on the district councils, the pan-democratic parties always find it difficult to raise funds.

Some people fear that if they contribute to these parties there could be a backlash from Beijing and might prefer to make contributions to the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.

People might be quite surprised if donations to all political parties in Hong Kong were made public.

I am not a member of any political party, but I do not believe a party can operate unless it receives regular financial support.

Mr Lai has worked for democracy in Hong Kong for many years and he deserves respect for what he has done.

Amy Hui, Kowloon City

Judicial process forgotten

I felt sorry about the death of Muammar Gaddafi.

I watched the news reports showing people surrounding and stepping on the corpse, grinning and making V for victory signs. Culpable though he was, his death appears to have been an act of wilful murder.

My criminology professors talk about modern and civilised principles of punishment. Confrontation lets the wrongdoers and victims recover from guilt and shame. Rehabilitation gives the culprit another chance and brings harmony to the world. I was sorry to see 'an eye for an eye' is still the preferred golden rule that overrides humanity and the law.

It would appear that what international lawyers and human rights activists talk about in terms of international criminal tribunals and proper legal procedures is still largely confined to academic circles. It is a pity that though this man was a tyrant, he had to die in such a brutal way.

Brian Chan Yip-hei, Lam Tin

Gaddafi was not prepared to listen

The vivid picture of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, half naked and covered with bloodied bandages lying in cold storage unit in Misrata, made sad viewing.

He met a cruel end, though he was very popular and was considered a great Afro-Arab leader in the 1970s. He should have avoided his flirtation with terrorism in later years. If only Gaddafi had been more sensitive towards his people and granted them a greater voice in managing the country, he might have survived their wrath.

Younger generations around the world, with better education and access to the internet, resent authoritarianism. Gaddafi ignored these emerging trends.

The people of Libya face testing times. Even after a regime is dismantled it takes decades to inculcate democratic values. The road ahead will be tough.

Rajendra K. Aneja, Dubai

Think before buying that new iPhone

In the street you see so many people of all ages holding their iPhones. But I wonder how many of them actually benefit from purchasing one.

Some people buy a new iPhone because they believe it is fashionable. Many of them do not even seem to know how to use all the functions.

I am sure a lot of Hongkongers will purchase the latest model, which was launched earlier this month, but I would recommend them to think twice. If their older mobile is still working, why not be environmentally friendly and stick with it?

Keith Wong Tsz-ting, Lai Chi Kok

Nobel rules for scientists are outdated

Concern has been raised about the Nobel Prize's science awards being each limited to three individuals.

I agree with those who argue that it is out of date and unfair.

Unlike in the past, scientists now tend to collaborate with other experts. It is not rare to learn of a scientific discovery that involved the collaboration of hundreds of people. If the Nobel Committee keeps the present rule, collaborative research is likely to be discouraged and we may see fewer scientific breakthroughs.

The committee should update the rules so the prize can be awarded to more than three individuals.

Yiu Wun-hang, Sha Tin