SIR - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds has treated the congregation of St Mary's RC Church, above, in East Parade in the same way as Pontius Pilate treated Jesus - they have washed their hands of us.

Where is the Christianity in abandoning a group of people, many of whom are elderly and poor and unable to get to other churches? The Leeds Diocese has made no provision for these people.

Jesus himself loved the poor and weak, the Leeds Diocese seems to have distanced itself from His teachings by their actions.

Mrs E M Gibson, Moorside Gardens, Eccleshill