Gordon Wilson has made a splendid example of political expediency versus justice and presented the best reason why church should be separate from state ("Gay marriage backlash 'is risk to independence win'", The Herald, December 1).

I hope the general public is in favour of equality for every individual in the land and will be able to differentiate between the rights of a couple who enter a binding and legal contract, be they of the same sex or not, and what is the credo of religions who could not give their consent to a conventional church marriage for gay couples.

If this becomes a problem when choosing a political party at the next election, then surely now is a good time to reflect upon our own prejudices and begin to take the wider, more generous view of our neighbours' life choices.

Janet Cunningham,

1 Cedar Avenue,

Stirling.

You imply that the Church of Scotland is officially supporting the Scotland for Marriage Campaign (in reality a campaign to leave the marriage law unchanged) ("Churches in Gay Marriage protest rally", The Herald, November 30).

If that were so it would be normal that the Moderator or at least the convenor of an Assembly committee such as church and society would be represented.

My understanding is that the Church of Scotland spokespersons are at present in consultation with the Scottish Government on the issue and certainly there had been no General Assembly position taken (in contrast to that opposing nuclear weapons) which would allow the Moderator to speak for the church.

Ann Allen, who is quoted, was convenor of a church committee in the 1990s but simply speaks as an individual member of the church, as have many of us at demonstrations and rallies on other political and ethical issues on which church members have very different perspectives.

Rev Dr Iain A Whyte,

14 Carlingnose Point,

North Queensferry.

It was disappointing to see Cardinal Keith O'Brien leading the protest against gay marriage outside the Scottish Parliament, given his justifiable campaign to remove discrimination against Scotland's Catholics.

It is hypocritical for religious leaders to demand no discrimination against their own community while simultaneously invoking the same religion to secure the right to discriminate against another.

As we consider the shape and form of an independent Scotland in the 21st century, most Scots I am sure will want to see all forms of bigotry and sectarianism removed from our culture.

Alistair McBay,

Lawmuirview,

Methven.

I am confused. Why is a group representing the views of only around 20% of Scots while trying to prevent loving and committed couples from marrying calling itself "Scotland for Marriage"?

Dr Ian Johnston,

Orbister,

Old Bridge of Urr,

Castle Douglas.