I reckon Mauvepink does have a point. (In the abstract, but let's not get picky.)

However, and please, anybody, help me understand this;

If I felt so strongly about a religious creed and genuinely believed the unambiguous message of love, forgiveness, turning the other cheek and reaching out to those we don't understand...

I reckon I would be at the forefront of demanding that "leaders" of my faith denounce fundamentalist hijackers of the message, and would have huge problems being associated with the institutional bigotry; not only this extreme example but the softer ones such as vicars wanting to take communion with Catholics because their brand of homophobia and lack of women doing the job suits some so called representatives of the "good news."

You see, whilst ever religions can ignore equal rights legislation (that should affect their status as charities and as employers) I have HUGE issues with them trying to give society a steer. I really do.

Mind you, I can't be a hypocrite. Even if they did join the 21st Century, I don't need an abstract concept to give me a moral steer. I watched David Attenborough's Life series and was fascinated by the altruism and community based behaviour of other animals, such as insects, reptiles, fish, furry mammals and even microscopic organisms. Some of which have never heard a sermon or read the bible......