WHAT a predictable and stereotypical reaction from the "fundamentalist right" to York Dungeon's poking fun at Christmas.

The Rev John Billingham, and others who agree with him, has done more to put young people off Christianity than any amount of camped-up devils in the Dungeon.

When my children and their friends saw the words "Furious church leaders" on your front page it was like a green light for a bit of teenage rebellion.

Mr Billingham is entitled to his views, but presenting his beliefs as a proven fact, and stating that most people who don't believe Satan is a real, living being, are just plain wrong, widens the gap between himself and those to whom he hopes to preach.

I respect the solidity of Mr Billingham's faith, just as I wish he and his ilk would respect the fact that most people have different beliefs. We will be at the Dungeon on opening day, it will be a scream!

Andy Scaife,

Suffolk House,

Lowther Terrace, York.

Updated: 11:04 Friday, December 10, 2004