Letter: Soviet-style `boot camp' for priests

Letter: Soviet-style `boot camp' for priests

Sir: I know two "graduates" of Stroud who were sent there because of their alcoholism; one still drinks, the other is possibly the gentlest, kindest person I know, who was genuinely reborn at Stroud over the months.

Stroud cannot be judged on the basis of one week's residence. My friend's eyes are alive and sparkling with a distinct absence of manic stare. But while defending the institution, I admit that one hears that there is a "class distinction" there between the drinkers and the men with an altar- boy problem. This is born, I suspect, out of the homophobia which is still present in the attitudes of many in the church and which regards homosexuality and paedophilia as virtually synonymous.

Gay men should not be sent to Stroud. Equally, if they have been blessed with a vocation and ordained, they should ideally acknowledge their sexuality but also embrace celibacy.

PAUL SMITH

London N5