Letter: Outdated attitudes towards gays and lesbians

Sir: In an article reporting Cardinal Hume's observations on the church's teaching concerning homosexual people ('Catholic church gives gays hope', 21 July), the sub-heading describes the Cardinal as being 'open' to lowering the homosexual age of consent. This is incorrect.

There is no reference to the age of consent in the Cardinal's pastoral observations. The position is that the Cardinal has not, and would not, express a view on this question without first discussing it with other bishops.

Yours sincerely,

KEVIN THOMAS

Media Officer

Catholic Media Office

London, SW1