Fanaticism is a belief or behaviour involving uncritical zeal, particularly for an extreme religious cause. Philosopher George Santayana defines fanaticism as "redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim"; according to Winston Churchill, "a fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."

By either description the fanatic displays very strict standards and little tolerance for contrary ideas or opinions. Religious fanaticism is considered to be the most extreme form of religious fundamentalism.

Extremism is a term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or groups outside the perceived centre of a society. In democratic societies, individuals or groups that advocate the replacement of logic with an authoritarian regime are usually branded extremists.

I hope that the above meanings will satisfy Zak Portelli (The Sunday Times, May 30). It is unfortunate that he might not be familiar with cross-contamination. Indirect contamination occurs when bacteria are passed from the source of high-risk or healthy carrier individuals, via something else, such as spittle. Indirect contamination is the most common type of cross-contamination and it occurs because of ignorance and bad handling practices.

Mr Portelli has as yet failed to describe one of the main Christian teachings, the love of one's neighbour. Irrespective of how careful one is, spittle is always a dangerous carrier, and many a time invisible, but nevertheless a hidden problem. The Holy Eucharist should never contribute to the spread of disease.

I suggest that Mr Portelli re-read my previous letters and try to understand that he has a number of alternatives apart from trying to impose his ideas. The fact that a person ahead of you receives the Host on his tongue can contaminate the priest's fingers and thus be a source of contamination and the spread of disease.

Let me be clear; this will be my last contribution on this topic. Mr Portelli and his friends can have the last word. Whatever is said will never change his attitude. So be it! I end by calling on the ecclesiastical authorities not to fall into any myopic trap but to follow the international medical advice of the great dangers that would face the church-going faithful.