So, the Rev John Webster claims he loves the gay community and has friends in it (Letters, September 3).

Then why deny us our place in society and the chance to rally and show our solidarity with each other?

No one is trying to force our lifestyle upon anyone else and to claim that is disingenuous. This isn't a lifestyle choice taken from a chic magazine. It's what we are.

We aren't claiming straight people are abnormal in any way, we're claiming our lives aren't abnormal either.

It is the Church that has tried to stifle same sex partnerships. Quoting from the Bible means nothing. If the Church wanted to be honest, it would admit that nowhere in Christ's teachings does he speak out against same sex relationships. Only narrow minded people with influence claim it.

St Augustine, in his book About Married Bliss, instructed Christian women whose husbands like to perform non-creative sex to send them off to relieve their needs with prostitutes. So it's okay as long as it's not with a same sex partner and with a prostitute who doesn't share your religion. You'll forgive me if I find that laced with hypocrisy.

I recommend the book, Homophobia And The Bible by Michael Halls, not just to the good Reverend but to others who worry that their sexuality conflicts with Christianity.

-Angie Rowland, Hove