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D. L. Clements asks "why all this fuss about Christian Unions?"

(Letters, December 15). S/he overlooks the parallel that can be drawn between faith-based organi-sations and political parties.

Surely the members of both are entitled to expect that their fellow members share similar views on the main points of principle and that their officers are committed to the cause.

Would Clements advocate that Margaret Thatcher should have been eligible to be leader of the Labour Party solely on the grounds that she happened to be a competent leader?

Stephen Pearson
Teesside University