Call to reform 'homophobic and sexist' Catholic church

Organisers of Catholic Voices for Reform said they wanted to see an "open discussion" on issues within the church such as women's ordination, sexual orientation and clerical celibacy.

The group has drawn up questions it plans to deliver to the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols and the Vatican's ambassador to Britain to pass to Pope Benedict when he visits Britain next week.

The questions ask why the rules on compulsory celibacy for the priesthood cannot be relaxed and describe the ban on women priests as "purely cultural and historical."

Catholic Voices for Reform spokesman Bernard Wynne said he doubted they would get "anywhere near the Pope" during his visit to ask the questions but he believed many of the issues would be discussed "behind closed doors."

He said he believed at least half of "average" Mass-going Catholics in Britain would support many of their demands.