The letter If you don't like it, don't be a Catholic is just so annoying I had to respond. In it, the writer asserts that 'Truth endures and does not change just because of so-called advancement. That's what makes the Church the Church'.

Truth? Whose truth is this? Nazis believed they were doing humanity a great service by exterminating 'lesser beings'. That was their truth. Should one just say, 'If you don't like it, don't be a Nazi'?

Now, before someone condemns me for suggesting that Roman Catholics are no different than Nazis, allow me to say that I am not saying that nor believing it. What I would like to point out is that firstly, arguing about the truth by forcing it down one's throat is rather pointless.

Secondly, the writer completely ignores the issues raised in the letter John Paul II rigid, Church inflexible.

An important figure such as the Pope would have tremendous responsibility. If his stand is discriminatory, then the negative effects would be even further reaching than that of the man-on- the-street's. That's because he is the leader of a dominant religion in the present world.

I have no doubt the late pope was a great man who did great and good things, but one also ought to realise his failings and the effect this may have had on society.

Some - including the writer of Church has withstood the test of time - do not seem to understand the issue of equality. Perhaps one must really be a victim of discrimination first to understand this issue.