From Mr John Hutchinson
Sir, — Giles Fraser can write some real gems, and he deserves his place next to the Leader page. Every now and then, however, he boils over, and his piece on sexual orientation and practice (27 July) was a case in point.

As a heterosexual, I am very aware, as many others will be, of several males and females with a clear same-sex orientation, but who never would express this physically. His cynicism does him no credit.

But his real vitriol is reserved for Evangelicals. I had always understood that, of all the Church traditions, true liberals bear the hallmark of respecting and valuing the worth of all. But clearly he has a problem with Evangelicals, (who, admittedly, would have a problem with him).

It is a matter of fact that when someone is continually derisive or aggressive against a particular stance or point of view, it is because that person feels threatened by it. Does he have a subliminal conviction that Evangelicals have got it right, but his pernicious human logic won’t enable him to face it? There can be few liberals more illiberal than he. But I hope he keeps on writing.

JOHN HUTCHINSON
Heath Barton, Whitestone
Exeter EX4 2HJ

From the Revd Bruce Carlin
Sir, — Until J. K. Rowling states that she intended Harry Potter to be a Christian allegory, I remain unconvinced by Giles Fraser’s argument (10 August). Our history books are full of examples of people who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for what they perceive to be a greater good.

Indeed, is this not precisely what motivates Islamic suicide-bombers, who are willing to sacrifice their own life in the cause of killing the infidel, in the hope of gaining a reward in the afterlife?

BRUCE CARLIN
The Rectory, Church Lane, Kippax
Leeds LS25 7HF