I AM astounded at the reaction of the two highest - in human terms - leaders of the Anglican church about homosexual bishops ('Hope slams ignorance and bigotry', July 7).

Which is more important to them; what men say or what God says?

How dare they call people who bravely stand for the truth of God's word, ignorant and bigots?

I applaud the African church for its stand against homosexuality; we could do with them here.

On this issue, the Archbishop of Canterbury is not speaking as a priest of God.

It is, in fact, a great act of love, not bigotry, or ignorance, to warn such people what God's word says: that anyone who acts so perversely will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

I believe God is now sifting his church, for there is now what the bible prophesies as a sign of the return of Jesus, false prophets from within, those who speak against what God says, and a falling away of those who profess Christianity.

The church, and the nation, must repent and turn to God.

Jesus is the only way for forgiveness and restoration.

Mrs C Parker,

Ashley Park Crescent,

York.

Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, July 16, 2003