Sir, The Church of England has two qualities that are uniquely valuable (report and letters, July 2). These are its commitment to being present and active in every community of our land and its tolerance of a wide range of opinion. These two qualities have served our nation well, led to a greater understanding of God, and brought hope to many by welcoming them to a journey of discovery on which all are embarked.

The recent tendency to insist on certainty of doctrine and the proposal to set up a Church of “true believers” denies these two fundamental values. A breakaway group will not provide the comprehensive ministry to our land that the Church of England has maintained, and a prescriptive approach to doctrine will stifle the sense of mutual exploration which parish congregations have, at their best, shared.

Far from being true to our roots, the breakaway groups are denying them. They should think again.

Canon Michael J. Jackson
Hexham, Northumberland

Sir, The prospect of the mass resignation of 1,300 clergy opposed to the consecration of women bishops should be welcomed, not feared, by the Church of England.

Having rightly taken the decision to ordain women priests, the Church should now take the logical next step in the process of fully integrating women into the clergy. If that results in the loss of some of the more reactionary members of the clergy, then so be it: their departure will increase the opportunities for the many able female priests and deacons who play such a valuable part in the life of the Church.

Those who consider that the gender of a bishop is more important than the number of sacraments will, no doubt find a home in the Roman Church.

Richard Wilson
Crockerton, Wilts

Sir, Anyone who imagines that the Catholic Church would accept Anglican clergy because of a shortage of priests is very wide of the mark. Every adult, regardless of their station in life, must follow the rite of Catholic instruction for adults course. We do not do mass conversions, nor is a single issue accepted as a reason for becoming a Catholic.

Allison Walker-Morecroft
Norwich

Sir, According to my estimates, if all 1,300 clergy who object to the ordination of women bishops are currently on the payroll, that still leaves 87 per cent of us who have not signed such a declaration.

What would be the effect if those of us who are vigorously in favour of a one-clause measure to permit women bishops should threaten to leave the Church of England?

The Rev Chris Sterry
Whalley, Lancs

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