There is a moral crisis of hypocrisy within the U.S. catholic church as well. Homosexuality is not so much an abnormality, since it has been present throughout history dating back to ancient times. Personally, I do not condone the practice, but who am I to judge? I am entitled to an opinion. The fact that our trust as a congregation has been diminished due to the covert lives of many priests. We, the catholic public, support the church and unfortunately assume the financial stress. I support the efforts of Patricia McKeever as she provides a system of checks and balances that the catholic clergical leadership has neglected. The hypocrisy of gay practicing priests seems to be a slap in the face to the congregation.

Chris Camillo, Oak Park, Illinois

If there were more people like Patricia McKeever in the Catholic Church a few billion pounds and dollars would have been saved by nipping the clerical abuses in the bud.

Also, a young Polish girl murdered in a Glasgow church would, in all probability, still be alive if she had been listened to by the Archbishop of Glasgow.

Only a few weeks ago, as part of the Edinburgh fringe celebrations, one of the priests mentioned, a Fr Hone,
was inviting people of any religion and none to step off the streets and into his church to confess, and be absolved from,
their sins.

These are the kind of priests, with too much time on their hands, who are now making a mockery of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Personally, I would mail their P45s to them by same day delivery no matter what the PC brigade or the do-gooders may think.

Francis Rooney, Ayr, SCOTLAND

A young priest, when confronted with Scriptures showing that Peter calls himself 'a fellow elder' who was obviously MARRIED, since the Bible mentions his 'mother-in-law!', finally Admitted to me that: "The sin of Fornication is a Lesser sin than the sin of Priestly Marriage. Therefore, we just need to Confess our sin (of Fornication) and thereby we are protected from the Much Greater Sin of Priestly Marriage." (emphasis Mine!)

Phineas, Oneonta, NY/USA

In fact, this woman's campaign is all about her - what she thinks. It is astonishing that the local clergy and hierarchy put up with this kind of thing.

Richard B, San Francisco, USA

What this woman is doing is outrageous! There is nothing wrong with being gay. the christian religion is rediculous all together! i don't care who knows! waht she is doing is just making these people feel terrible for what they can not stop. i myself am a lesbian and i think this is wrong and that this woman should be in prison.

Amanda Searles, Salem,

From my reading of the bible Christ made no condemnation of homosexuals. In fact he didnt mention homosexuals at all. He intentionally sought the company of those regarded as undesirable by the pharasiec view of judaism, which would have included homosexuals. St Paul, who never met Christ, at the beginnings of the early church and against a backdrop of debate as to whether Christianity should be prostheletised amoung gentiles as well as Jews approved the view that Jews who had been born into the teachings of judaism should retain the commandments contained in the talmud, including those outlined in Leviticus.

Unless members of the modern church were born into a first century C.E. talmudic tradition, and observe the injunctions on taxation, the eating of "trief" foods, and sacrificing animals I do not regard the biggoted homophobic views of extremist catholics as the truth of the faith. They would be far better observing the teachings of Christ..."the greatest of these is Love"

Philip , London,

It may be that I am more doctrinally 'hawkish' than Patricia McKeever. If I am then it is not my merit that makes me so. For the record, I am an ardent supporter of the Truth of the One, Holy , (Roman) Catholic and Apostolic Church, the integrity of the Deposit of Faith received from the Apostles and of the seven True Sacraments. I utterly reject the Modernist Sham ' Catholic Church' represented by so many sham Bishops and Presbyters of today. Having nailed my colours to the mast I am horrified that the Love of Christ has so far failed to touch the heart of this misguided lady. Christ came to save sinners, to heal and to nurture, Patricia. He condemned none save the pharisees and the hypocrites. Hate the sin, Patricia, but if you fail to love the sinner then your 'faith' is in vain. If you have no love, Patricia, then you are nothing. Where is yours?

Dr Russell Berry, London, UK

I wonder what Jesus would say if this woman, or the many others like her, would bring him a list of people who are gay, associate with gays, or are not "righteous" in their eyes. Would he condemn them, or the person bringing him the list?

Mark Tedesco, Los Angeles, USA

Jesus allowed Judas the Betrayer to walk with him up to the end. It was not Jesus who expelled him, but Judas himself out of sheer guilt finally killed himself. Some priests are leaving the Church for a variety of reasons, such as marriage or homosexuality. Those that choose to stay will have many stripes to pay, if not in the present time, then in the afterlife.
Christ knows his Church will have its scandals to the end of time, but said of those through whom scandal comes, '. . . It would better for them if they had not been born".

He also said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against her(the Church)". Personally, i would host no traitors in the militant church, and outright homosexuals are traitors to the Gospel. That's my ideal dream world that doesn't exist on Earth. Since our Church is in pilgrimage to perfection, we must expect Her to have some, if not most, of her priests caught in the grip of sin. Let us hope and pray the Church can withstand these fiery tribulations.

Richard, San Marcos, , California

I am a heterosexual, long-married member of Quest. I joined to support close friends who are gay. I find nothing in the gospels to condemn gays. I find plenty to warn people against becoming pharisees - judging others while feeling smugly righteous, acting as an obstacle between people and their faith etc etc. These particular gay friends epitomise the Christian spirit and are amongst the most admirable people I know. I don't care what happens in their bedroom - after all, they've never shown any prurient interest in what happens in mine.

Louise R, Cambridge, UK

That women disgusts me. She says she is jsut being a good Catholic but she's being jugemental. Its god's job to pass judgement not hers.

Steffanie, Orlando,

What a surprise, The Times conducting its own "Witch Hunt" on a Catholic.

I support Miss McKeever.

Whats wrong with asking "are you a homosexual?" anyway. Is Father Ed Hone angry at the question because he is one or because he isn't one and he knows what a shameful thing it would be?

e ODonnell, Derry,

Catholicism, witch-hunt; that has an historical echo. Homosexual priests are presumably just another group of heretics that need suppressing before they become too mainstream. Presumably allowing priests to marry would be too much of a U-turn. However, difficult to feel much sympathy when Mother Church is persecuting its own. Can't imagine any descendents of the other persecuted minorities are shedding too many tears, either. After over 400 years of the Inquisition, this is pretty watery stuff. Bet the Vatican wishes it could bring back burning at the stake. After torturing out a "confession" naturally. "Get out of my sight, priest."
Sure, I'll never get to Heaven now. But look on the bright side. Heaven for the view. Hell for the company.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

I can't believe what I am reading here! Whilst I do not support homosexuality (ordained or lay people), to condemn any person for merely associating with or pastoring to known homosexuals borders on the ridiculous - it is utterly un-Christian. Christ himself associated with sinners and was condemned by similar people to those doing the condemning here. How about opening our hearts to the spirit of the Gospel and setting an example of Christian love for all people and stop this unilateral judgeing and condemning them.

Andrew, Yellowtown,

Some commentors are protesting too much when they insist that homosexuals are not pedophiles. However, they technically have a point. In the US 81% of the victims of clergy abuse were young boys and teens. The clergy, therefore, were homosexuals, speifically pederasts, not pedophiles.

Laurette Elsberry, Sacramento, California USA

Hello! It,s me again Michael! In regards to my earlier statement regarding HATRED! I in no way intended to infer that I approve of such behavior. Hatred has been the basis of every war that has ever occured on this planet. Yes, these are sick people, but HATRED is not the answer!

Michael Harding, HFX., Canada

Very sad.
As usual, anything to do with sex brings out the worst in many self-appointed "moral'"Catholics.
Hopeless confusion around the church's moral teaching, around the abuse of minors, around the vow of chastity and around the nature of pastoral activity don't seem to be able to shake those on a censorious moral crusade that lacks any sense of justice, decency and compassion.
If we outed all Catholic priests who had homosexual leanings, why not out all those who have heterosexual leanings? And if we are on about those who fall short of chastity, we would need to do so in relation to heterosexual relationships too. Priests are human like the rest of us and failing to treat them with dignity does nothing to address the current shortage.
Self-appointed misguided moral guardians like these demonstrate no loyalty to their bishops or to the people of God.

John Browning, Brisbane, Australia

Too bad there haven't been more Patricia McKeevers. Had there been there would have been fewer traumatized children and devastated families. If the powers that be will not take action to clean out the augean stables it is left to the laity to expose their inaction. One wonders why they are reluctant to act. Some disturbing reasons come to mind .
Was it Newman who said something about the laity having to take action when the clergy and hierarchy do not. We are told that this is the age of the laity but the laity are vilified when they fail to toe the line of the fifth columnists inside the Church.

By the way the vast majority of the abusers have been ephebophiles, not pedophiles.

Denis in Canada

Denis, St. Catharines, Canada

Patricia McKeever is simply doing what the Cardinal and his bishops should be doing. That is to call into question he actions of a wayward priest who quite clearly has no regard for the teachings of his church.

If the Cardinal and his bishops were not so obviously spineless in their custodianship of the church, we would not be having this debate now.

Moreover, if any of you who have critised Patricia McKeever would simply take the time to reid the various editions of Catholic Truthfrom september 2006 to May 2007, you would see that she has not set up this organisation simply to weed out gay priests, but that she has given fair and equal coverage to many other proven scandals within the Catholic Church.

Billy, Edinburgh

Billy Reid, Edinburgh,

1. The following are all legitamated questions to ask a priest. "Would you please confirm that you accept wholly the Church’s teaching on homosexual activity . . .? What does ‘pastoral care’ for homosexuals entail? why do homosexuals have to be singled out for special care unlike other sinners who are expected to go regularly to Confession, make a firm determination not to commit serious sins again, pray for purity, etc?”
2. Those who judge Miss McKeever are thmeselves judging her.
3. Any one who questions the immorality of homosexauality are labeled a bigot, bad news for the angels who destroyed Sodom.
4. Jesus is ready to forgive any sinner, unfortunately some sinners do not think they are sinners and consequently are not in need of forgiveness.
5. God bless you.

C, chicago, IL/USA

I am a Catholic and I like to think a good one but this woman has set her self up as judge and jury, by whose authority? Not mine I have to say………Judge not, less you be judged by your actions also.

DJ, Southsea, UK

Why is it that all most of the fanatically religious comments on this article seem to come from Americans? Well done for proving to British and European readers what most of them surely think: that a large number of Americans are ill-formed, hateful bigots who seem to believe that an non-existent entity agrees entirely with their narrow-minded worldview. I thought the internet was supposed to broaden people's intellectual horizons, given the sheer volume of information available. Apparently not.

Daniel Stoker, New York, USA

As a former Catholic Religious friar, I am appalled at the efforts of narrow-minded and unChristian" Catholics" that embody and promote discrimination, hatred and violence toward the REST of God's children and against Jesus' brothers and sisters, i.e., LGBT people of faith. Perhaps McKeever should explore her own embodied self-hatred, seek ways to liberate her psyche and heart , and come to know and reconcile herself with the true Creator, who bestows grace and life. Pax e bonum.

Antonio Salas, Oakland, CA, USA

"If you don't accept Catholic teaching, it makes sense to leave the Church."

That's very forgiving, kicking people who are born a certain way out of your church. It's got nothing to do with accepting Catholic teaching. You're either born gay, or you aren't. You can't undo it. You can choose not to act on it (gee, that'll make you a pleasant person, can you imagine being frustrated for your entire life?), true, but you can't choose whether you're gay or not.

starling, Lancaster,

Lynn from Edinburgh: As others have said, homosexuality and paedophilia are NOT the same thing. Being gay does not make one a paedophile! It's a facile argument.

Robert from Austin Texas: "How sad it is that the Satin has been given a toe hold in the church through homosexuals" - Whilst I agree with your outrage, I feel it is unfair of you to blame homosexuals - in my church it was the lady who runs the Piety shop who introduced the satin altar cloths.

Victoria, Salford, Lancs

I am firmly against same sex relationships, but I have a brother whom I love to death that is gay and would attend his union to another man. I would also invite people guilty of not just 1 but many kinds of sins into my church, how else are there souls to be saved.

Katorra, Whitehall, Oh

As long as there are people like McKeever (and Joe, Johannes, Vee et all), all will be ... wrong with the world.

starling, Lancaster,

How can Patricia McKeever call herself Catholic if she acts AGAINST the wishes of her Archdiocese?

If she's not prepared to accept some level of change... or at least work WITH the church rather than against it, than perhaps she shouldn't worry her "pretty little head about it" and try following some of the church's previous guidelines by "staying in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant"? Or am I being a bit intolerant here?

Terry, Detroit, Michigan USA

The behaviour of Ms McKeever is breaking anti-discrimination Law, and her discrimination should be punishable in Court. Her actions are as bad as any kind of incitement to harass and bullying and in my opinion she should be held to account for her blatant homophobia. It counfounds me how she has been allowed to get away with it.

Max, Manchester, UK

Mr/Ms Holmes in the USA, you really ought to be concentrating your efforts on dealing with your own country's problems rather than sharing your ludicrous rantings on a .co.uk site. What is true for the USA is not necessarily so beyond your borders. Also, as true as it may be that there are problems within the Catholic Church with regards child molestation or other unthinkable acts, I very much doubt that the interference with 10,000 children in the USA specifically was the reason for the Vatican pontificating about homosexuality in its ranks.

For your information, homosexuals hold no monopoly over sodomy.

If you, or anyone else for that matter, believe that homosexuality is a serious disorder, then you are living in the dark ages. Anyone with such antiquated beliefs really ought to spend their energies reading around the subject in order to achieve an objective view point, rather than churning out unfounded discriminatory remarks verbatim. Love thy neighbour!

JO, London, England

People who do not follow Catholic teachings on faith and morals have chosen not to be part of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately many Bishops are not clear in relation to this. Ms McKeever is protecting the Church from heresy by ensuring members of the Church are aware that homosexuality is disordered and sinful. To hold a view otherwise is incompatible with being a Catholic. When Bishops do not act the Church militant must. Ms McKeever keep up the good work.

Madeleine, Sydney, Australia

"Is it any wonder she is single?"

I was reminded of Notes on a Scandal when I read her profile ... isn't that interesting?

starling, Lancaster,

Lynn from Edinburgh, this woman is outing homosexuals, not paedophiles. If she was outing paedophiles, I'd be right behind her, and so would everybody else.

I'm a homosexual woman (aka lesbian), and I find the implication that homosexuality and paedophilia are related revolting, to say the least.

starling, Lancaster,

The problem with people with fundamentalist and minority views (like Ms. McKeever) who are given media coverage is that they are then seen by those who do not fully understand Catholic rules to represent legitimate Catholic behaviour.
People like her give critics ammunition against legitimate Catholic actions and opinions such as that on abortion (see David Aaronovitch's latest article). She does Catholicism a disservice and as far as I am concerned she is an embarrassment.

Catherine, Kildare, Ireland

First and foremost, some of us need to learn the difference between homosexuals and pedophiles. There is a HUGE difference but bigoted people refuse to learn or understand.

Second, why has no one questioned this article. Why exactly is the TImes reporting the names and locations of priests accused of anything? Isn't this a bit beyond the supposed scope of a story about a women participating in questionable activity?

Emily S., Chicago, Illinois

Why is the Church so obsessed with sex and preaching hatred?
Of course paedophilia is a crime. Being gay is not a crime nor is the homosexual act.
Let these perfectly competent, caring, loving, and law abiding priests get on with their job of pastoral care. Let God be the judge.

p S Simon, london,

In 'The Sexual Dead-End' Dr Stephen Green documents the key role of Catholic priests in setting up Scotland's homosexual organisation. Their actions were subversive..

Iain Colquhoun , Swansea, UK

Eh, this is all I need to know: I Cor. 6:9-13; 9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord.......

Concerned,, Bible Belt, USA

I think this lady is doing God's work. If the Church won't police itself, then it should be glad that someone is protecting the children.

Judy, Atlantic Beach, Florida USA

If you don't accept Catholic teaching, it makes sense to leave the Church. In our day there is nothing particularly heroic about leaving an organisation whose goals one no longer supports. It is called honesty. Catholics believe in forgiveness and hence Church authority are often very slow in moving against those who undermine her, especially so when they are clergy. It does not surprise me that certain lay people react in frustration and try to take matters into their own hands. That is a typical human reaction. Perhaps the hierarchy needs to clean house and then rebuild the bonds of trust necessary between clergy and laity so that the Church's mission can move forward. Catholics are human and often fail to uphold their high ideals at times which include forgiveness and love of God and their fellow man but holding to truth regarding human sexuality should never be construed as hatred and such claims are mere rhetoric.

John, Barrie, Ontario

A distinction must be made between priests that are homosexual by inclination and those who are actively engaging in sexual acts with other men. To me, it is not the morality of being gay that is the issue; it is priests who openly violate the vow of chastity which all priests pledge prior to their ordinations.

Thousands of dedicated catholic priests are gay by inclination, and have been as long as there has been a celebite priesthood. If a priest is unable to maintain his vows, he should consider leaving the priestly vocation; or, as unlikely as this is, the Vatican should change its position and all priests be allowed to marry men or women of their choice.

As a catholic and a gay man, the church's hypocrisy in weeding out homosexual priests is overwhlemingly stupid.

Garrett, San Francsico, USA

Whilst McKeever is being the standard, mildly-irritating-crazy-woman who we can kind of ignore because, frankly, most of us are fairly unlikely to be gay catholic priests (although I feel for them)...

Her true crime is providing an excuse for Americans to discuss religion on these forums.

Heinous! (Ted, 3:14)

Mark, Woking, UK

Great job McKeever! The church, too frightened to offend, has stepped aside on the matter of homosexuality so it's up true God fearing Christians to step up and address this issue. How sad it is that the Satin has been given a toe hold in the church through homosexuals. Father Hone and especially Father Livingstone should be offered the opportunity to repent. If they instead continue to choose Satin's way over our Lord's, then they should be removed from their positions so they can't spread their poison throughout their parishes. McKeever is doing a great service and you can tell she's effective because the enemy is so upset. Keep going McKeever!

Robert, austin, USA/Texas

Actually, I agree with her that it seems she's doing the work of the Church. You'd think the Church would be pleased but it isn't about consistency, is it?

If consistency and Truth were what guided the Church, the Vatican would have a disco ball and be the hottest dance club in Europe. That clerical garb would be called, appropriately, fetish gear. All that gold would be smelted down and converted to cash to research cures for disease. Churches would be converted to homeless shelters, so the homeless would not have to camp out on their steps. Oh, get me started....

I and a number of my friends (hell, all 500,000 of us) were being condemned to Hell by a small group who felt comfortable and justified by planting themselves in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral as our Pride Parade marched down 5th Avenue in NYC.

A priest confded to me once that he got off wearing a leather harness under his clerical garb during Mass. Oh, puuleeeze....

William, New York, NY

"To host a support group for gay people is not a crime in the Catholic Church and would be a normal part of pastoral care." So said Fr. Ed Hone in his comments to David Lister.

What Fr. Hone did not say was that the particular support group he hosts, called 'Quest', is for active, unrepentent gays. The Church opposes this kind of group with vigour.

a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow goes on to accuse Ms. McKeever, editor of 'Catholic Truth', as "perpetrating a medieval witch-hunt."

It so happens that part of that "witch-hunt" was concentrated on trying to have deviant priest Fr. Gerry Nugent removed from St. Patrick's Church in Anderston. Ms. McKeever went unheeded in her endeavours with the Archdiocesan authorities and Angelika Kluk lost her life.

If the same spokesman is correct in stating that Catholic Truth is "unrepresentative of mainstream Catholicism", then the Church is truly in serious trouble. You slant your writings well Mr. Lister.

Martin Blackshaw, Livingston, Scotland

I don't see what all the bloody fuss is about!

Father Pat McCroyn, Dublin, Ireland

The church teaches that the act of sodomy is intrinsically wrong.
Gay people however are no more sinners than the rest of us.
A gay priest that doesn't have man-man sex is no different from a heterosexual priest that keeps his vow of celibacy.
if they act on them it is wrong on both counts due to the vow.
So basically that lady is discrimiatng and defaming.

Joe, Dunleer Ireland,

The 2 priests did comment but what I noticed is missing is their own response of yes or no to the accusation that they are not practicing homosexuals. Scripture says let your yes be yes and your no be no....So what say the priests.. are they or are they not homosexuals?

Jeff, Somewhere, USA

Pat is exposing homosexual activity which is against Church and Commandments edicts. Such clergy are in contravention of their vows. The Scottish and indeed E&W Hierarchies might be construed as being only marginally Catholic. I note that they have raised a personal attack on Pat McKeever and it is a pity that The Times has seen fit to pander to them.

Michael, Bridgwater, UK

There is really no "good guy" in this story. The homophobic church? The hateful parishioners? The loony McKeever? The closeted gays? The hateful Pope? They all deserve each other.

Over in America, we now 2 political parties, Democratic and Religious, and we are in real intellectual decline, with people relying on these and other ancient superstitions rather than their intelligence (?). We have also seen just how much damage a Religious candidate, George Bush, can do. Yet the faithful remain faithful, in spite of all that reason (very bad word) and logic (oh, my god, I must lay down) tell them. Which isn't much, apparently.

So go get 'em, McKeever. Spreading hate is your god's work.

Evan, San Diego, CA

And I thought Christians and Catholics were supposed to be tolerant and understanding people? How can you compare being gay with being a peadophile? They are not the same thing, at all. It just shows your ignorance and how little you know and care about the rest of the world. Sort out your catholic church, which is indeed in tatters, but gay priest don't have anything to do with that (though paedophiles have), you should start in the vatican instead, and make your church tolerant, loving and understanding and you'll see that membership will increase. Readin your comments, I'm not surprised the cathloc church is in demise.

Lukas, Stockholm, Sweden

Why all these connections between homosexuality and paedophiles? Hello??!! Gay people are not peadophiles! Wise up.

Rosie, Dublin,

Regarding the comment by Victoria.

Have you ever had to explain away to a child why the Priest touched him up???

Have you ANY idea at all how damming these incidents are to a child??

Have YOU any sense of injustice, abuse, or do you not care? Would you like to speak to my Cousin, who is now in his forties and has never fully recovered from the heinous act performed on him by this sorry exscuse of a priest. Why do I keep saying Priest? Pervert would be better.

Wake up Victoria, the days of hiding these creatures, thank God, is over.

Patricia Mckeever, whatever you may think of the website, is a courageous lady, and one we should be GLAD has the guts to put herself forward.

At the end of the day, GOD knows all about these Priests, sorry, perverts, and will judge them wisely.

Lynn, Edinburgh,

When I see the cabal of exclusively men and boys parade in velvets, brocades, huge jewels and fancy hats, and perform flamboyant esoteric ceremonies whilst wreathed in exotic incense and exquisite music, I am surprised to hear that there are a few heterosexuals amongst them!

Dr BP Johnson, Edinburgh, UK

It is people like you, Johannes, who make for a hate-filled world, not a better world (and do try and get a grip on reality!).

starling, Lancaster,

I can't really believe anyone tries to live in modern society, and follow the misfit ramblings from 2000 years ago (or less). So Slavery (Lev. 25:44) is ok, but being Gay is a sin? I guess I must have missed the day when it was annouced which parts of the Bible should be followed, and which parts were stuck in for a giggle.

Mind you, I opted out a while ago. Why spend time praising a possibly fictitious figure, in the hope of a better afterlife for yourself, when there are plenty of real people needing help, where a real difference can be made.

Will, Essex, UK

Whilst I am a practising Catholic and can understand where Mrs McKeever is coming from, nonetheless she can never make any kind of case for her outing campaign. Ultimately, it's not up to her or anyone else to sit as judge and jury on this or any other issue.

However, is she doing anything different from Peter Tatchell & Stonewall in 'outing' allegedly gay clergy or MP's? His view was that he was exposing hypocrisy and I believe that's partly the angle she comes from.

As for Fr. Hone, i felt has attitude stank on Radio 5 this morning. It's all well and good him preaching about understanding and respect to all, which I wholeheartedly agree with, but he must also find room to do the same for Mrs McKeever.

After all Pope John Paul 2 was able to forgive a man who tried to assassinate him. However it doesn't sound like Fr. Hone has it in him to do likewise.

A Thomas, Durham,

If this article is really true, I say God Bless the woman! God has lifted up many laymen, such as St Catherine of Siena, to humble the sinner. She is doing the job that the bishops and priest should be doing. Patricia, you are in my prayers.

Joe, Kunkletown, USA/PA

Why pick on homosexuality? Why not people who work on the Sabbath? Those who lie, disrespect their parents, wear two different types of fabric or eat shellfish? All totally abhorrent in God's eyes, according to the good book.
The sanctimonious, self-righteous hypocrisy of the faithful makes me sick to the stomach.

Eric Blair, London,

I totally agree with Ms McKeever.It's high time we as catholic tackle some of this fundamental issue regarding gay priest and leaders who are a shame to the church.For us to claim that the issue is falsehood and non-existence is preposterous.The media has been on the matter, and having a catholics(I hope Ms McKeever is a bona fide catholic) intervening might strike the pope and leaders to it give a primary attention.
And as for the Priests like Father Ed Hone,Father Gerry Livingstone and others,gentlemen you know the rule.If McKeever is right then the door is on the open for confession.We are not judging or practicing "witch-hunt",but we expect to have pure and dedicated saints following the footsteps of st.Peter.The church wishes to be led by honest and righteous men.

Johannes, Pretoria, South Africa

Is Patricia McKeever a sheep or goat?

We don't know to be honest - which is why we were told directly by Christ himself (parable of sheep and goats) not to judge other people, but to love and accept them.

Judging others is simply wrong, un-christian and mere self justification.

Stuart Williams , Bournemouth,

Isn't God all forgiving? Or is that jut the fuzzy, warm New Testament version. Religion is the root of all evil - based on a book heavily edited or interpreted throughout the ages to suit whatever power base was in control at the time.

People like Ms McKeever know no compassion or understanding of humanity. If this is the type of person Heaven is full of, I'll take my chances elsewhere thank you very much.

Is it any wonder she is single?

Saska, London,

Well done to Patricia McKeever for even going on air with Nicky Campbell and Ed Hone. This lady has a point, and a relevant one at that. My cousin was interfered with by a priest . The sooner these people are kept away from public places where there are vulnerable children and youngsters, the better.
Has anyone mentioned that Ed Hone deliberately put windows into the Confessional Room when he came to St Patricks?

Lynn, Edinburgh,

Was there any need to name the two priests in this article?

Personally I'd rather share my pew with sodomites and sinners than hate-filled bigots and the like.

Do Ms McKeever and her ilk not realise that Jesus taught love and tolerance and not hate and condemnation or do they just find it easier to hate?

Victoria, Salford, Lancs

One can sin in thought, word and deed; therefore unless one firmly resists with all one's efforts the temptation to engage in homosexual thoughts, as well as homosexual words and deeds, one can sin without engaging in any act.

Eilean, New Haven, CT

She should remember that Jesus often associated with the undesireables in his day, so why try to prevent gay, lesbian or bisexual people attending church and having the opportunity to learn more about Him? A priest may have a good reason to go into a gay bar, and it is not automatically a sign that he is there for sexual reasons.

Hilary, Birmingham,

Reading about this story and some of the comments makes me feel very grateful for the rationality of Richard Dawkins. But unlike Dawkins I do believe there is a place for faith in our lives, though it must be tempered by clear rationality. That seems lacking in anybody who proclaims to know exactly the nature of God's will, whether it be from ancient texts or personal revelation. Personally I find the arrogance of Mrs McKeever's actions far more damaging than than the arguments of Dawkins.

Andrew, London, UK

Why create mystery by not allowing herself to be photographed?

John, Richmond,

God DOESNT exist people - I hate to shatter your narrow-minded illusions but there's no man in the sky with a big white beard and a thunderbolt ready to strike down the gays, lesbians, non-believers, and all the other reasonably intelligent people who can see beyond the fairy tales from centuries ago - get a grip will you

Simon , London,

I sympathize with Ms. McKeever's frustration that the Church does not seem to move quickly in rooting out the evil and sin within the Church. HOWEVER...we must remember that we have to be obedient to the bishops and magisterium of the Church. I suggest she try to work with her her bishop, pray for the clergy, and always remember that the Holy Spirit not abandon the Church in these struggles.

Rosemary Kammerer, St. Augustine, Florida/USA

Patricia McKeever accused Nicky Campbell on Radio 5's morning programme (June 19th) of being 'ignorant' when he asked her how Jesus might have dealt with practicing homosexuals within the Roman Catholic Church. She was very angry & hectoring in her reply. Obviously he had touched a raw nerve! But unless we can find the appropriate answers to the question, "What would Jesus do?" the Christian Church will not be able to declare the Good News of His Gospel in today's very comples world.
David J.Griffiths (Rev) Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Rev,David J.Griffiths, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Good for ANYONE who is telling the TRUTH these days when only lies are allowed. I probably wouldn't like to do what this good lady is doing, but I applaud her courage in confronting this so head-on. Is it any wonder that we can't have rosary processions, last rites, regular Confession schedules, First Friday devotions, etc. when our priests are interested in other diversions? Let the dead wood fall. We need a spiritual rebirth in the Church.

Sheree Lally, Louisville, KY

Since the Church of England is so emasculated in allowing its priests to marry provinding they don't have sex, it falls to the Catholic Church to save us from the source of homosexuality and its clear association with paedophilia.

We cannot afford to expose our kids to this dangerous practice.

Vee, Liverpool, UK

The Church has strayed and lost focus. It needs everyones help in finding its way. The scriptures are very clear, they do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle. These wayward priests spit in the eye of the Church.

Michael , Glendale, Arizona, USA

You cannot be homosexual and profess Christianity at the same time. The Bible (on which Christianity is wholly derived) expressly forbids homosexuality; Christianity is therefore diametrically opposed to homosexuality.

I shudder at the warped (and definitely unchristian) doctrine the Catholic and Anglican fellowships have applied in the past 15 years such that open homosexuality in the clergy is encouraged or at least ignored. Is anyone surprised that the Catholic and Anglican fellowships of the developing world having broken with the unbiblical inclinations of the clergy in the "developed" world are experiencing explosive growth while those here are tethering on the brink of oblivion!!!

Everyone has the right to choose their sexual inclinations. In taking up the vocation, one consciously and deliberately decides to waive such rights and adhere to biblical tenets. If you cannot be celibate (for Catholics) or heterosexual, please establish your own religion or find a job!!!

Osei K., London - GB,

God protect Patricia McKeever. God and His word never change. Love the sinner but hate the sin. Be honest homosexuality has no place in the Priesthood, as does unfaithful Priests with women.

Thanks be to God for the confessional He has made it so easy for us!

Tim MOrgan, Wanganui, NZ

"As a practicing Catholic, I should love all people, but that doesn't mean that I need to proclaim their sin as acceptable"

BEING homosexual is not a sin. Acting upon it is (Allegedly. I think it's a whole load of codswallop, but that aside). This woman has no right to "out" homosexual men. If they're priests, then by definition they do not act upon it.

I suggest you Google "Why can't I own a Canadian?", by the way. It's quite enlightning.

And don't you DARE compare paedophilia with homosexuality.

starling, Lancaster,

I believe the oficial Catholic stance on homosexuality is that only homosexual acts are sinful, whereas a person's homosexual inclinations or desires qualify as temptations of the flesh. Sin and temptation are not the same thing. So when "homosexual priest" is mentioned, what is really meant? A priest who merely has a sexual desire (for men) or a priest who is practicing sex with other men?
(Priests, by the way, are not supposed to have sex with niether men nor women, or by themselves, or with anything else for that matter). It is called "celibacy".

Hugo Tarango, Del Rio, USA / Texas

There is something inherently wrong with a persons view of their own religion when they believe they can set themselves up as judge jury and executioner against someone or something they hate so much. Smacks of the same kind of fundamentalism the west is fighting against Al-Qaeda

James, Reading,

We are all sinners. The difference is the daily changes we make as we read and study God's Word. The Word exposes our sin. If we are true Christians we would feel shame and seek His grace to change us and guide us to repentance. Repent means to turn away from sin. Not condone it. God the Father knows our hearts, if we are truely trying to change. For a leader in a church that bears the name of Christ to be deep in sin, is blasphemy. Paul taught us to remove such from our fellowship. Too many so called Christians are not doers of The Word.

Mary Eckhoff, Lake Dallas, Texas

I would suggest that all gay priests set up their own church and welcome everyone into it, gay or straight. The catholic church is nothing more than a fascist, self loathing bastion of hatred. It would seem to me that if you are gay you should not be a catholic priest, is it not hypocritical?

Kevin, Belfast, Ireland

Ms McKeever’s antagonistic quest is presumably from an old catholic spinster, come virgin, self-righteous point of view. Oops that could be seen as an “eye for an eye”.

Mark Harris, Swansea, Wales

I think it was Bill Hicks who described the Catholic Church as "the world's biggest paedophile ring".

One day these people might have the decency to get their priorities right.

Paul Marcinkus, Vatican City,

It is well known that most sexual assaults against children are carried out in the home by the "heterosexual" parents, and that although most types of physical abuse are carried out by men, women are responsible for almost all cases of emotional and psychological abuse.
The same men and women who go to church every week and claim the forgiveness of their god, then go home and get drunk and start shouting and abusing the children in their care.

Ian Johnson, Ramsgate, UK

I would strongly suggest that Ms.? Keever pray earnestly to Almighty God for forgiveness for her tirade of HATRED!.


"CONDEMN NOT"!

Michael Harding, HFX., Canada

The Romanist church has a horrendour record regarding the sexual abuse of children in their care or trust. Patricia McKeever has the full support of everyone who knows that there is a sickness permeating this organisation, which go to the highest levels.
Cardinal Bernard Law remains incommunicado in the Vatican, with the full knowledge and consent of the present Pope, out of reach of American law enforcement agencies, who wish to interview him about abusing priests

Tottie, Greenock, Scotland

As a practicing Catholic, I should love all people, but that doesn't mean that I need to proclaim their sin as acceptable....Also, 80% of the 'pedophilia' cases involve post pubescent boys, which highlites the problem of homosexuality. Study after study shows that homosexuals engage in sexual activity with more partners than heterosexuals....homosexual men that want to remain celibate have a harder time doing so....that's why men with a homosexual orientation are not allowed in seminary...to many temptations.

I applaud this woman's efforts to root out men that take a vow of celibacy and pledge to uphold Church teaching and then do the opposite....after all...people have a choice...if the don't support the Church and her teachings, they can become protestants.

D.S., Houston,, TX

Andrew from Slough: Whilst I realise that you had the best of intentions with your post (and I agree to the majority of it), only a Catholic could put homosexuals and theives in the same category. Has it ever occured to you that perhaps thieves choose to steal whereas homosexuals have no choice in their sexual inclination being directed to those of their own gender? And as human beings with a sexual instinct, you could no more expect a homosexual to abstain from sex than any heterosexual. Once Catholics realise this, only then will they truly be able to "love thy neighbour".

Ian, Lancaster, UK

Mr Holmes suggestion that homosexuals are comparable to paedophiles is ludicrous and irresponsible. Being homosexual does not incline a person to commit abhorent offences against children.

Yes, there is a clearly a problem in the Catholic Church with child molestation, however my personal view is that such problems are borne from the fact that Catholic priests are not allowed to engage in any form of sexual activity whatosever (including with themselves!).

Being Catholic myself and a victim of sexual abuse by another Catholic male, I would suggest that Ms McKeever perhaps concentrate her efforts on ousting the paedophiles in the Catholic church,

Marnie, Tun Wells, Kent

Jesus said, in Maria Valtortas' book that homosexuality is unconceivable. So this lady is right. Gays may be gays everywhere, God bless them if they do not know how to change, and no one needs to be christian if one doesnot want to. But they cannot ever be priests. Never. She is right.

Lizzie, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Mrs. McKeever, keep up the good work! You are correct in exposing the sinful conduct of these priests. Indeed, one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy is to rebuke the sinner. It is not charity to refrain from criticizing the sin that will lead to his/her ruin. Those who are criticizing Mrs. McKeever - are your own consciences stung?

Janet Baker, Gaithersburg, MD, USA

Homosexuality is not a crime, nor anywhere in the bible is it classed as a sin. For every homosexual paedophile are thousands of decent homosexuals, and there are hetrosexual paedophiles... Also why criticise people offering support to others, helping people is meant to be a Christian act. Making people ashamed of themselves will only push the issue and the people underground. I would also have to question why the catholic church has a history of attracting paedopiles to its order... is it a reflection on the organisations ability to cover up and ignore issues which it feels uncomfortable with?

Katy, Yorkshire,

Well doesn't it state in EX 35:2 to honour the sabbath,how come she doesn't go after those who work on the sabbath?

Dave, Honolulu, Hawaii,United States

Surely if Ms Mckeever is doing anything seriously wrong and immoral, the local bishop has the right to discipline her under canon law. Surely they are poor pastors if they believe what she is doing is immoral, and yet allow her to continue?

However the fact that she would then have the right to appeal to Rome is obviously a factor, which the local hierarchy may find causing them more difficulties, when the investigation reveals that pat operates within a code of Christian decency and fairness, and does not target any one group.

Why didn't the article also state that Ms Mckeever has the support of many priests and senior ranking laity.

Furthermore why does the author of the article state that Ms Mckeever lives with her Mother? At least she hasn't dumped her in an old peoples home. That is the real Pat Mckeever and if you want a real testimonial about the person, seek out her former pupils, all of whom benefited from her excellent teaching methods praised by OFSTED

Robbie, Bangor, Wales

Equating homosexuality to pedophilia is bigotry -- plain and simple.

Although largely overlooked and comparatively undersensationalized, the fact remains: the incidence of heterosexual molestation by priests far exceeds that of homosexual molestation.

Witchhunts are not a new concept for Christians, on the contrary, post Classical Western history is a litany of witchhunts, prejudice, bigotry, cruelty and mass murder, done by Christians, in the name of Christianity.

Ms. Keever is not advocating anything as abhorent as racial cleansing or mass murder -- she's just being cruel. But it might do for us to remember that little hatreds can grow into tomorrow's holocausts, like they did in Nazi Germany, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Historically, religion has been for more divisive and corrosive to the body politic than it has been charitable and edifying. Studying history, it is difficult to come away without a sense that perhaps religion, itself, is a crime against humanity.

Stephen C., Los Angeles, California, USA

I always love when somebody knows a few phases from the bible then attempts to use it against somebody they oppose. The facts remain, Catholics are to be tolerant of all others but we don't tolerate sin, the promotion of sin or pretend to be politically correct. The matter is serious, the church is under attack from all directions. We need more people to stand up and root out non-believers. We are a church of sinners, most Catholics realize this, the triumphant church is heaven. Caholics do not need to accept all, God wants all, but not all want to believe God's word. If you are not a believer, nobody is forcing you to be Catholic. If you are a Catholic believe, abide by all its teaching, even the ones you don't agree with.

John Patti, eastlake, us of a

What a lovely advertisement for Christianity you bunch of hippocrites are! Paedophilia is a crime and should, of course, be rooted out wherever it is. But homosexuality - oh dear. You'll soon have so few priests that you lovely Christians, who clearly enjoy ruining the lives of others, will not be able to attend mass. So be it. And I just bet you are all so perfect yourselves! A curse on all your houses until you grow up and act like decent, sensible, humans. One might paraphrase Groucho Marx, and ask why would anyone want to join a church with the likes of you ghastly people in it?

Lester May, London, UK

Are there islamic gays in the mosque or it only happens in Christianity. I think the western press should look into it and see what happens.

Fabio C, London, Pakistan

It may seem more obvious in Catholics, who are covered in a blanket blessing of the Eucharist, and would appear to be happy with that without exploring the mysteries of faith, but the most obvious flaw in those who almost practice Christianity is that they do not totally say what they mean and mean what they say. If Jesus is believed to be The Word, why are people who refuse to dilute this so persecuted by clergy who ought to be the most dedicated to truth?

alex dahn, Bangor, N Ireland

Being a homosexual does not make you a child-molester any more than being a Catholic automatically makes you a self-righteous bigot.
"Love thy neighbour as thyself" - not "Love thy neighbour UNLESS thy neighbour is a homosexual".
Poor Ms McKeever, she sounds like a deeply unhappy lady. I hope someone is loving her.

Jo Clayton, London, UK

to JTHolmes, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that there is more abuse in the Protestant churches, 260 claims a year, as opposed to 228 a year for the Catholic Church. Therefore, it is a humanity problem where homosexuals and pedofiles seek positions of trust, such as teachers which have the highest number of claims. That is not the fault of the church, it is the fault of the deviant who choses not to control their satanic urges. Please do your homework next time before defaming the name of the catholic church.

Chris, Jupiter/FL, USA/FL

This McKeever person sounds like a real Christian !!!

Ken R. , Bedford, UK

If Catholics want to do something about Catholic priests who preach morality in the pulpit but live seriously immoral lives, then I think that is constructive.

However, when it comes to condemning people because they are gay (no mention of celibacy), or making priests sound like criminals for welcoming gays into the Church then we have left the world of rational behaviour.

I should like to point out, also, that those who practise homosexuality are sinners, but no more are they sinners than adulterers, liars, thieves, those who have sexual relations before married, and anyone who commits one of an abundance of other sins.

So for some reason, I'm getting the idea of casting the first stone in my mind at the moment.

I wonder why...

Andrew, Slough, England

Pat McKeever is not a "self-appointed heresy hunter", because all Catholics are called by virtue of their baptism to defend and promote the truths of the Faith. In saner times, our bishops would take a lead in this, but as they appear to be more interested in being 'politically correct' instead of proclaiming the Gospel and preserving their flock from error, then more power to people like Pat.

Richard Sheridan, Middlesex, England

Thanks Patricia!

As a gay man, I know that visibility is the key to acceptance. The short term pain of exposing some members of a homophobic institution will ultimately lead the general public to realize that gay people are everywhere and in all professions. The more gay people are seen the more they become just another part of society, so thanks Patricia for helping bring about acceptance of gays everywhere.

Rod S, Seattle, WA, USA

As a Catholic, I'm appauled at the intolerance shown by some members of the Church. What happened to "Love one another as I have loved you", and "Judge not lest ye be judged"? As for the poster who linked homosexuality with paedophila, your ignorance is shameful. A priest's sexuality has no bearing on his ability to minister to his flock - the requirement for celibacy renders the question of a priest's sexuality irrelevant.
Those who are participating in this witch hunt, as it has rightly been called, should take along hard look in the mirror. No one is perfect.

Emily Bell, London, UK

I was raised as a devout Catholic but turned away from the Church after experiencing the levels of deep rooted hatred that exist toward gay people and many other vulnerable sections of society.

The Catholic Church is one of the most hypocritical organisations in existence, preaching love, compassion and forgiveness but perpetuating hatred and condemning all who do not share its view of the world. It bullies people into conforming with a very narrow and twisted view of humanity based on a fictitious book and a fictitious character.

The Catholic Church and Christianity is rightly losing it once very powerful grip on the legislature. Unless it modernises and embraces the values of modern society with unequivocal respect for all people, then it deserves to become an obsolete religion. It is making itself redundant to peoples lives.

Paul, London, UK

Well, here in America, we've had 10,000 teenage boys molested and/or raped by homosexual Catholic priests. That is why the Vatican has now banned the ordination of priests with this serious sexual disorder.

Any priest who encourages or condones sodomy or other homosexual acts (or sin of any kind) should be removed.

JT Holmes, Hoboken, USA

There has been something rotten with the catholic clergy for a very long time.

After nine years as complaints manager for a deeply troubled Catholic order, psychologist Michelle Mulvihill has quit in disgust. Consultant psychologist, former nun and corporate shaker Michelle Mulvihill is the most unlikely whistleblower.
For nine years she worked behind the scenes advising the beleaguered Catholic Order of St John of God on how to deal with an avalanche of serious sexual complaints against its brotherhood. http://www.stuff.co.nz/4096398a13135.html

Tim, Liverpool,

Exposing such hypocrisy as homosexuals in the priesthood is a higher calling.

Richard L. Chapman, Lima, NY, New York USA

I am dismayed that a Roman Catholic Priest dares to say that "To host a support group for gay people is not a crime in the Catholic Church..." because the Vatican has said clearly that Priests cannot give any support to the 'gay lifestyle' - Further, this seems to me to be a character assassination on the Editor of Catholic Truth and northing more. It sounds to me that Priests and Bishops don't want the truth be known about their double lifes.

Patricia Claire , Glasgow, Scotland

Shame they are not as committed about making sure that the known paedophiles working in their own ranks are kept from working with, and subsequently sexually assulting, children!

Paul Durrant, Worthing,

There does seem to be a 'witch hunt', but it is against those who uphold the sublime teachings of the One Holy Roman Catholic Church founded by Jesus Christ,
The Times and Fr. Hone seem to have an allegience similiar to that of The Pharisees and Judas!

Neil McKay, Edinburgh,

I will not comment on this issue because there are so many ramifications and it should be dealt with in greater detail and less bias on both sides, not least because the laity in many churches feels the clergy act according to a politicised agenda rather than according to the Gospel.

I will instead ask THE TIMES: whatever the feelings of the editorial staff of this newspaper over this issue of homosexual clergy, why does this newspaper and every other newspaper in Britain remain silent over the most notorious paedophile in human history, a man who led an ideology responsible for so much human misery and degradation?

Easy enough to 'take the moral high ground' in either supporting or attacking this woman's stance on homosexuality, but that man's paedophilia is responsible for child brides, a worldwide sex slave trade and enormous degradation of the female sex.

Why is THE TIMES silent about this paedophiliac? How about naming and shaming him?

A. N. Quest, london,

Great work! Keep it up. I am sick and tied of perverts trying to weedle their way into the holiest of things.--the church. It is time the normal, average people say enough. The church is no place for the wolves in sheep's clothing. I say, keep up the hunt. The laity needs to do what the lazy clergy will not --exorcise the evil from the church.

J Knox, Oklahoma City, OK USA

All catholic priests take a vow of celibacy. That means they must refrain from sexual activity, whether it is heterosexual or homosexual. It's as simple as that. It is not clear from this article whether Ms McKeever is "outing" non-practicing homosexual priests or those who regularly indulge in homosexual acts.

It would be grossly unfair for anyone to victimise another individual for their sexual preference. On the other hand, those priests who lead a double life, be it heterosexual or homosexual should be expelled from the priesthood, because their behaviour is incompatible with their position.

By the way, the website of Catholic Truth has been erased. It would appear that the hosts have bowed to pressure from the homosexual activist lobby. Long live the age of freedom of speech.

Eddy, Madrid, Spain