I HAVE never read as much drivel and hypocrisy as that in Mrs C Parker's letter of July 16. How can a so-called Christian condemn homosexual people in such a way?

I am not religious but from my very young days I seem to remember being told that we are all God's children and that He loves us all.

Has Mrs Parker conveniently forgotten that bit?

Would it also not be true that if God created man (and woman) then He also created homosexuality?

Mrs Parker obviously thinks she is qualified enough in the bible's teachings to lecture everyone in Christian values, while at the same time being completely hypocritical about all the things a Christian should be - compassionate, accepting and forgiving (not that gay people have done anything that needs to be forgiven).

No wonder most churches are now almost empty every Sunday.

Dave Morrison,

Walmer Carr,

Wigginton,

York.

...MRS C Parker urges Christians to condemn homosexuality because it's "what God says", presumably based on the usual obscure verses from Leviticus.

Will she and her fellow anti-gay crusaders therefore take a similarly "brave" stand for the other old-fashioned values in Leviticus, such as approval for slavery and the buying and selling of children, or stoning to death all those who work on the Sabbath?

Or can one pick and choose the Word of God?

I also can't help but observe that, at a time when Islam is constantly under attack for alleged anti-gay and anti-women attitudes, the present outpouring of homophobic bile is, in fact, coming from self-proclaimed Christians.

More double standards?

Ben Drake,

Danum Road,

Fulford,

York.

...AS an atheist looking at, and hearing from, the Anglican Church Synod meeting in York things appear to be in crisis.

There are differences of opinion on several subjects between the traditional evangelical Christians and the Anglican liberal Christians which can probably be tolerated by both sides.

However, when it comes to same-sex couples and gay marriages in the church the gulf is enormous. I see no possible chance of compromise.

The Anglican church must split into two very different camps if it is to survive.

It may lose some followers to Roman Catholicism or to some other religious movement - but that is better than disintegrating altogether. Not very Christian, but nor was the demo and outburst by Peter Tatchell and Outrage.

I cannot see how the last few days helped anyone or either side.

David Quarrie,

Lynden Way,

Holgate,

York.

Updated: 10:43 Friday, July 18, 2003