Sir, There is an assumption in much that is written about the recent “gay blessing” in an Anglican Church that those who are dismayed by it are necessarily homophobic. The truth is that many Anglicans are re-examining their views on the issue, prayerfully and with reference to scripture, to see if they stand up to scrutiny. Anxieties about the forthcoming Lambeth Conference are mixed with hope that a godly outcome on the matter will ensue. Given that, it is the methods used by the gay lobby and by some who are opposed to their cause which are so unhelpful at this juncture.

The health of the Church of England rests on a delicate balance of theocratic episcopal power and democratic synodical rule. It cannot allow itself to be distracted from a search for unity based on fidelity to God and His ways by the tactics and timing of any lobby group.

Canon Erik Wilson
Middlesbrough

Sir, As a serving PCC member in a urban Anglican church, I am close to despair about those who are seeking to rend our Church and Communion asunder for their own ends.

A hymn that we often use in our worship has the lines:

“In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.”

Those who seek to destroy that fellowship of love by calling for a schism over women bishops and/or same-sex blessings are contributing to the demise of Christianity, which, presumably, is the opposite of what they intend.

The final line of the hymn contains the words:

“All Christly souls are one in Him.”

Let us all hope that it is not too late for us Anglicans to remain in that position.

Mike Lawlor
Teddington, Middx

Sir, In calling for Anglicans to just get on, the Rev Ian Gregory (letter, June 18) is somewhat presumptuous to think he speaks for the majority of Christianity. For myself, and other non-conformist pastors I know, controversy and disagreement are never to be cherished or pursued, but are sometimes necessary. Looking into the Church of England from outside, there are many of us who stand with those who affirm a biblical and orthodox view of Christianity as enshrined in the 39 Articles. We applaud those who wisely seek to maintain this position and who also appear to form the most healthy part of our State Church.

The Rev Adrian Reynolds
Yateley, Hants

Sir The Rev Richard Haggis (letter, June 17) refers to the 39 Articles of the Church of England as “The 39 Articles of the Church of England (1562)”. In fact, the Articles were finally revised and increased from 38 to 39 in 1571, since when they have remained unaltered. It was also rather disingenuous of Mr Haggis to mention that the marriage service in the Book of Common Prayer includes the phrase about “mutual society, help, and comfort” without mentioning that the same service is intended “to join together this Man and this Woman” and “was ordained for the procreation of children”.

Michael Cullup
Norwich

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