I feel impelled to respond, in sadness, to B Catling’s letter (re: ‘Take it as gospel’) in last week’s Herald.

Two points:

1) Mr Catling’s imaginary quote is not, of course, in the gospels, or anywhere else in the bible, although Jesus would undoubtedly agree with it. Jesus would also, however, uphold what is in the bible, this including the clear statement that homosexual sexual activity – [not, please note, a homosexual orientation in itself] – is unacceptable in the sight of God. In the Old Testament, this is Leviticus, chapter 18, verse 22, and in the New Testament 1 Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 9 and Romans, chapter 1, verses 26-27. From the perspective of anyone who believes the bible to be God’s authoritative word for every century, the motives for pointing this out are not blind prejudice or hatred - [as the pejoratives used by Mr Catling imply] - but rather concern and love. It is the ‘spiritual’ equivalent of warning someone you believe they are about to step on a landmine.

2) Calling those who hold a different view to yourself names is no substitute for reasoned debate in mutual respect – [indeed it is often a subconscious acknowledgement of weakness in the user’s position] – and can only make frustrations and any ill-feeling worse. Which does not, I suggest, help anyone!

The peace of Christ be with you.

(Rev) David J C Wheeler,

Sidmouth