SIR: The attack on Caroline Smith's letter, by P Payne, on the subject of homosexuality, is typical of the condescending, arrogant, and authoritative views displayed by so-called Christians, who claim to have conquered the moral high ground, but are so lacking in both compassion and understanding, that it is quite easy to see why Christianity has caused so much bloodshed and misery down the centuries.

The 'holier than thou' attitude exuding from this particular piece, vaguely masks what can only be described as prejudice and ignorance. The Bible clearly states many guidelines to mankind, but the bigoted only seem to pick up on any point that suits their displeasure. The Bible clearly states 'Thou shalt not kill', but Christians have glorified death and war for hundreds of years.

P Payne states that to be homosexual is a choice - really? Where does the Bible mention this fact? Or is this just another blinkered assumption. I did not choose to be homosexual, and I know not of anyone who did. I am neither proud nor ashamed, I am what I am, and what I am was God's decision, that I accept.

What I cannot accept however, is to be likened to robbers, child murderers, or for that matter any criminal, and to state that because one is 'gay' then he/she has chosen a life without God, is absolutely preposterous.

As I see it, God in all his wisdom would judge a person for their deeds - be they good or bad, from birth to death, and certainly not what they would wish to indulge in in private, which in all honesty should concern only the two people involved, and should only do so, unless of couse the 'anti gay' brigade have now stooped to Biblical voyeurism!

Derek Hilton

Bolton

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