Try to judge a man by his views and not his origins

This letter appears in today's Derby Telegraph:

Try to judge a man by his views and not his origins

I have no desire to enter into debate with Narvel Annable ("Archbishop out of touch with modern thinking", Letters, February 8) because I know from his previous letters that he is unable to understand anyone who offers any view of sexual ethics which is different to his own.

I, for one, was pleased to hear Dr Sentamu's recent comments on marriage as being an institution which can only be rightly entered into by persons of the opposite sex.

Whatever arrangements might be accepted in this country to recognise gay relationships, "same sex marriage" is an oxymoron.What concerned me most about Mr Narvel's letter was his reference to Dr Sentamu as "an unelected African".

This indicates to me that his attitude to someone's origin is less liberal than his attitude to their views on sexual relationships.

I am very pleased that the Church of England has an Archbishop who not only speaks out but also does it as someone with a background very much different from that of all of his predecessors.

Please can we agree or disagree with Dr Sentamu on the basis of what he says and not on the basis of his country of origin?

Nigel Tilly

Palm Close

Littleover