TO attack me through the pages of the Bury Times means that Mr Brereton (August 21) must have thought long and hard and then composed his letter. He is using his free-will - as am I in this reply.

In my younger days this form of attack was known as bigotry. Nowadays, it is known as "fundamentalism". Wherever it raises its head, it is to be deplored.

The attitude that "I am always right; you are always wrong" is the chief weapon of the bigot. What he believes makes all other beliefs obnoxious. If his belief is based on Christian values, then the Bible is his text book. If it isn't in the Bible, then it has no place in this world. But if it is in the Bible, then it is "proved" to be true.

My God loves me, but I am a sinner. I try to follow His ways, but I fall short. Because I am a homosexual - I have been since birth - I have found great happiness with three partners in 67 years. We have been blessed, in our turn, by the majority of folk who are neither bigots nor fundamentalists.

Mr Brereton, Bishop Daly and I have to agree to disagree. We all believe that we, and only we, are right. So be it. But when my time comes, and the Great Book is opened by my God to take account of my life, then I know what He will say. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. At least you tried."

BEAU

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.