Sir, Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, forecasts “new alignments” in the Church of England, which would act “as a haven” for traditionalists and evangelicals. You point out that this would sideline evangelicals “into a sectarian wing within the wider Church” (report, September 1).

The irony of such a view is that the original formation of the Church of England created a Church which was Protestant and Reformed, and in that sense as evangelical as any could wish. This is clear from the legal basis of the Church of England in the Book of Common Prayer and in the Thirty-nine Articles, and also when one considers the lives of the Reformers, Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley and Jewell.

In fact, those who are loyal to the original Church of England are the ones who should stay, while those who wish to change the Church’s official theological position to suit their own should be the ones in need of a haven of dissent, in whatever way the Archbishop might suggest this should happen. This would leave the Church of England at peace and able to continue its witness to our nation of the truth of God’s love through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yours sincerely,
RICHARD HOVIL,
37 Upper Marsh Road,
Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9PN.
September 2.

From the Reverend Brian Anderson

Sir, I hope that, one day, the Bishop of Manchester and the Dean and Chapter of Manchester Cathedral, who reversed their welcome to the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (report, September 5), may hold their heads in shame. Their rescinding of the arrangement made in good faith many months ago has the smell of cowardice. The gay issues which they fear would be reawakened were high in the news when their offer of hospitality was made.

The Lord they claim to follow would surely have been less judgmental. Perhaps the Archbishop of Canterbury’s thoughts of realignment within the Church should be implemented sooner rather than later.

Sincerely,
BRIAN ANDERSON,
Garden Flat, 126a High Street,
Old Portsmouth PO1 2HW.
September 5.

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