Polly Toynbee’s advice to Sinn Féin, “The oath? Surely they can mouth it and shrug” (Opinion, 28 November), may be reinforced by Patrick O’Brian’s sentiment (admittedly embedded in fiction) in the Aubrey/Maturin opener Master and Commander: “He would have called an oath a childish thing – otiose if voluntary and rightly to be evaded or ignored if imposed.”
Tony Rimmer
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
• We were amused and appalled to read that the provost of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow has suggested that the Church of England might recognise same-sex marriage more quickly if people prayed for Prince George to be gay (Report, 1 December).
While Rev Holdsworth’s heart is clearly in the right place, his comments have been called “unchristian, unkind and destructive”. Newsflash: being gay is not something you can pray for, or pray away.
With this whole debate showcasing either bigotry or silliness, is it any wonder so many young people are having nothing to do with religion?
Neil Barber
Edinburgh Secular Society
• A same-sex royal wedding would be a wonderful occasion. By then we might even have a woman as archbishop of Canterbury. But I’m not placing any bets.
Nick Chadwick
Oxford
• If David Davis is threatening to resign if Damian Green is forced out (Report, 2 December), is this a case of Sack One Dismiss One For Free (Sodoff)? It is to be hoped that more in the government might like to support their cabinet colleagues in trouble in a similar manner.
Dick Durrant
Bristol
• Below the story linking Coke with tooth decay (Ban the Coca-Cola Christmas lorry, says NHS chief, 30 November) is a sumptuously illustrated advert for half-price chocolates. But then it is for Waitrose…
Peter Avery
London
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