Sir, Surely civil partnerships do not undermine the “importance to society” of marriage (report, Jan 19); on the contrary, they represent a serious mutual commitment of two people to themselves and to society. The partners therefore lack only the belief in a hypothetical deity which, as daily experience shows us, adds nothing to the stability or permanence of a relationship.
The Bishop of Rochester would be better advised to applaud the non-religious rationalists for proclaiming their love and fidelity, and should learn that commitment and devotion are not limited to people with mystical beliefs.
TIMOTHY STONE
Glasgow