With regard to the continuing controversy over issues surrounding adoption, I wish to state the views of Christian Peoples Alliance. When we responded to the Scottish Executive's own consultation, we opposed adoption by cohabiting, heterosexual couples and same-sex couples and this continues to be the case. Our argument was principally, but not solely, on the basis of sociological research.

With regard to the continuing controversy over issues surrounding adoption, I wish to state the views of Christian Peoples Alliance. When we responded to the Scottish Executive's own consultation, we opposed adoption by cohabiting, heterosexual couples and same-sex couples and this continues to be the case. Our argument was principally, but not solely, on the basis of sociological research.

The facts speak for themselves. Cohabiting heterosexual couples are six-and-a-half times more likely to split up after the birth of their own child than a married couple (Kierman K, Childbearing Outside Marriage in Western Europe). As regards adoption by same-sex couples a study by homosexual researchers, funded by the Department of Health, concluded that the average length of a "closed" homosexual relationship was 21 months (Weatherburn, P et al). So why place a vulnerable, possibly emotionally damaged child with either of these groups when they display such probability of instability?

Those who argue that couples will be carefully vetted are missing the point. There is a close analogy with motor-car insurance for young people. A young person who argued at age 21 years that he had had several years of problem-free driving would be laughed out of court if he tried to make the case for a lower premium. Much of the case for adoption rests on statistical probabilities and the statement "adoption should be for the benefit of the children, not somehow to fulfil the lives of the adults concerned" should mean what it says.

Christian Peoples Alliance deplores homophobia in any shape or form. But is it not ironic that homosexuals, having rightly achieved equality in so many areas of life, now seek under the Equality Act to discriminate against Catholic adoption agencies by denying them freedom of conscience in the area of their beliefs? How the tables have turned! Christians now seem to be on the verge of becoming a persec-uted and criminalised group - perhaps we should retreat once again, as in earlier centuries, to the catacombs!
Teresa Smith, Chair, Christian Peoples Alliance, PO Box 1233, Dumfries DG1 1WB.

ONE wonders how far the principle of conscience asserted by the Roman Catholic bishops extends. The bishops appear to think that they articulate the consciences of all Roman Catholics. Is that true? It is reported, for instance, that the consciences of very many Roman Catholics allow them to use artificial contraception despite the condemnations of the bishops. If individual Catholics working for Catholic adoption agencies were to declare that they had no difficulties of conscience about arranging adoption by gay and lesbian couples, would the bishops allow the workers' individual consciences to prevail, or would the bishops insist that such freedom of conscience were disallowable?

Paul Brownsey, 19 Larchfield Road, Bearsden.