With reference to your article (The Argus, April 12) regarding the Exclusive Brethren, I wish to make the following comments.

As much as I respect the group's adherence to the essential doctrines of scripture, in particular, to that which says the one and only salvation is to be found in Christ, I am not impressed with its practice of keeping to itself.

Jesus said to his followers, having risen from the dead: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

So there are missionaries in places such as Africa not only passing on the good news but attending, with compassion, to those in need, such as the victims of Aids.

Moreover, Jesus was accused of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners and eating with them. Not that he condoned their practices but where there was need, he was there.

We live in a needy world in which there are souls crying out for help.

How can we find them if we don't associate with all humanity?

I have taken school assemblies and visited hospitals. Let's go out rather than stay in.

-RS Bridle, Hove