We are winning the fight against anti-gay army
I've received a number of communications from readers of the Derby Telegraph expressing concern over three critical responses to my letter "Archbishop of York out of touch with modern thinking" (February 8) "Hit back!" they urge, "don't let them get away with it".
I say to your readers, take heart.
Regarding same-sex marriage, we are winning the battle.
Leaders of the three main political parties are on our side. A majority of MPs, reflecting two thirds of the population, wish to see civil gay marriage enshrined in law. It will happen.
It was expected that correspondents like Nigel Tilly ("Try to judge a man by his views and not his origins", February 14) twist my comparison with 1960s racism and 21st century homophobia. On the other hand, I was surprised Colin Clark ("Archbishop of York is best person for job", February 14) descended to making two inappropriate references about my mother.
In similar low taste, Ray Jordan ("What goes on in your home should stay there", March 5) is "sick and tired of reading about you and your lifestyle". Mr Jordan reminds me of Rod Clulow's letter of last year under the heading – "Frequent letters will not affect views of the majority".
Wrong! Thanks to sustained campaigning from LGBT people, Mr Clulow's majority is now the minority. Debate is necessary and desirable for educating the ignorant and is important in keeping gay issues in the public arena.
To all people disposed to join the chorus against my efforts, I'd make two points: you belong to an ever diminishing army in retreat and your immoderate letters say more about you than they do about me.
Narvel Annable
Dovedale Crescent
Belper
"What goes on in your home should stay there"
With regard to the letters from Nigel Tilly ("Try to judge a man by his views and not his origins") and Colin Clark ("Archbishop of York is best person for job") (Telegraph, February 14), I couldn't agree more with their opinions on Narvel Annable's remarks about Dr Sentamu's background and oblique reference to his colour.
Also, I couldn't care less about what you and your partner get up to in your own home but don't keep trying to justify it in the media.
I am sick and tired of reading about you and your lifestyle. Give it a rest, please.
Ray Jordan
Marlborough DriveBelper
Archbishop of York is best person for job
SO, frequent correspondent Narvel Annable thinks the Archbishop of York is out of touch with modern thinking.
Well, he would say that, wouldn't he? Narvel has never replied to my letter recently when I asked him to explain the link in genetics which caused people to be born homosexual. He didn't respond because there is no link.
Homosexuality is a choice and it is not surprising that his mother was upset by her son's way of life.
Now he has the audacity to castigate the Archbishop of York for condemning same-sex marriages. This would surely make his mother extremely ashamed of him?
I do not think it matters that the archbishop is Ugandan, neither does it matter that he was invited rather than elected into his position in the Church of England. What matters is that he is the best person for the job irrespective of race, class or creed.
Narvel may be appalled that the Archbishop is taking a stance against same-sex marriage but he is just as entitled to his opinion as Narvel is to his chosen way of life.
It is obvious that Narvel is far from comfortable with his selected lifestyle, otherwise he wouldn't spend so much time trying to justify it.
Colin Clark
Oakover Drive
Allestree
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
Archbishop out of touch with modern thinking
Dr John Sentamu has condemned the Government over its plans to legalise same-sex civil marriage. As Peter Tatchell said: "The Archbishop of York's demand to preserve the tradition and history of marriage is similar to the arguments that were past used by the church to justify slavery, colonialism and the denial of votes for women. His stance brings shame and dishonour to the Church of England."
I find it appalling that, of all people, an unelected African should be telling the elected PM of this country to discriminate against gay people who wish to enter into a loving, same-sex civil marriage which is now approved by two-thirds of the population. These proposals to ensure marriage equality for all couples are for register offices only.
Dr Sentamu's recent homophobic outburst shows him intolerant and out of touch with modern thinking. Dismissing my 2006 civil partnership to Terry Durand as a mere 'friendship' is insulting to our 35- year union.
This bigoted Archbishop wants to preserve the status quo. He wants lesbians and gay men to remain inferior to the heterosexual majority.
Before advocating discrimination he would do well to reflect on the bravery of those protesters who, indirectly, made it possible for an African to become the Archbishop of York.
Narvel Annable
Dovedale Crescent
Belper
