Homosexuality and ministry

Sir, – Can Rev Donard Collins (November 7th) explain how a homosexual minister is a “just cause of offence to others” either…

Sir, – Can Rev Donard Collins (November 7th) explain how a homosexual minister is a “just cause of offence to others” either in general or in the specific context of “Canon 32” as mentioned; or, if he is not passing judgment, how such an issue entails “failing and falling”? As someone brought up in the modern Church of Ireland tradition, I tended to see it as more liberal and tolerant than that of the Catholic Church, and while I understand there is disagreement in the congregation, this argument seems to follow a rather too familiar pattern in Ireland of elevating canon law over basic civic morals such as tolerance and equality. – Yours, etc,

ROBERT ELLIS,

Auburn Road,

Dún Laoghaire,

Co Dublin.