THERE will inevitably be various reasons why Tim Farron chose to resign as leader of the Liberal Democrat (“LibDem leader quits over questions of faith”, The Herald, June 15). However, he has chosen to highlight one aspect of it. He finds his Christian beliefs a lightning rod attracting much comment and not a little abuse directing attention away from his party’s policies.

Being asked in Parliament what his views on same-sex activity was illustrates the point – the assumption was that he had a Biblical view which was out of step with the received wisdom of our age. In our “liberal” society some views are scarcely permitted.

The LGBT movement has to be admired for the efficiency and persistence of its campaigning. But there surely comes a point when society has to pause, reflect, and not allow minority groups to dominate society’s attitude. On a recent visit to Australia the headlines in a leading newspaper proclaimed “Christians under attack: gay rights activists target IBM executive” (The Australian, March 21) because he supported an organisation committed to affirming traditional views on marriage.

There surely comes a point when society has to conduct a reality check and decide whether its direction of travel is more liberal or simply lacking tolerance of differing views.

Bill Wallace (Rev),

(Former Convener Church of Scotland Board of Social Responsibility and Board of Ministry),

29 Station Road, Banchory.

THE "society" that former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron says is "intolerant" of his Christianity is in fact supremely tolerant of it. It supports Mr Farron's right to be a Christian of the denomination of his choosing, and to change his religious belief or not have one at all. It supports his right not to be gay, not to have a same-sex marriage, and not to seek abortion services should such a need in his life ever arise. It also supports his right to raise his children in his own faith, and to express that faith in the public sphere. It even allows 26 representatives of his faith to sit in the House of Lords to shape all our lives. It is in fact a socially liberal society, last point notwithstanding.

What this "society doesn’t do is mandate that Mr Farron’s views be imposed on everyone else just because they happen to be views based on religious belief, or that those who hold different views shouldn’t express them or challenge his views because that would be "persecuting" him on the grounds of his faith.

Mr Farron has belatedly made his choice as to his personal identity that trumps all, and he's made it in a society that ensures he is free to do so. That his views appear to be at odds with what the LibDems or society stand for, if we are to read between the lines, is not their fault. That Mr Farron's views may not be popular in society doesn't prevent him holding them or living his own life in accordance with them, nor does it make him a "victim". Nor, apparently, does it prevent him being a LibDem MP.

Alistair McBay,

National Secular Society, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh.

TIM Farron’s comments about resigning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership so he can be true to his version of Christianity are crass and insulting.

I am a practising Christian who abhors the increasing alignment in the public perception of Christianity with bigotry.

What Mr Farron means is that he cannot be a party leader and openly hold bigoted or redundant views (unless he joins Ukip) – but that has nothing to do with real Christianity.

As a former Labour councillor in Newcastle in the 1980s and a Methodist Sunday school teacher, my parting of the ways with formal politics and the Labour Party came when that other closet Christian fundamentalist and his Christian fundamentalist US pal George W Bush, perpetrated the illegal, immoral invasion of Iraq, arguably lighting the touchpaper for a lot of current woes.

Isn’t it ironic that these so-called Christians ignore one of the main teachings of real Christianity: love they neighbour? Just as many in the Conservative Government, who regard themselves as Christians, turned their backs on migrant children fleeing the horrors of war.

In case they are unaware of the Good Samaritan message – your “neighbour” is anyone who needs your help.

Amanda Baker,

65/1 Saughton Gardens, Edinburgh