When Pope Benedict XVI visits the UK next year, he might have expected protests from gay and lesbian organisations, child protection campaigners, and HIV and AIDS activists. Now it’s looking like his reception by our Head of State, HM Queen Elizabeth II, might be somewhat frosty, and Archbishop Rowan Williams may find it hard to be welcoming.

On the 19th October, Ann Widdecombe MP and Archbishop Onaiyekan lost a debate with Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry that “The Catholic Church is a force for good in the world.” Before the debate, 678 were for the motion, 1102 against, with 346 dont knows.  After the debate, 268 were for, 1,876 were against, and 34 were don’t knows. We’ll have a report in our next newsletter.

Apart from the most devout Catholics and a bunch of bigoted misogynist Anglican clergy, Pope Ben will be about as welcome as a fart in an elevator. It’s not too late to remember a previous engagement, and cancel.