Sir, Referring to the appointment of a homosexual as Bishop of Reading, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “We have to grasp that Canon John’s appointment has brought to light a good deal of unhappiness among people who could by no means be described as extremists, many of whom have willingly testified to their personal respect for Canon John. They are convinced, however, that there is a basic issue at stake relating to the consistency of our policy and our doctrine in the Church of England — and that this issue has arisen in this particular case in a way for which there are no obvious parallels. Such unhappiness means that there is an obvious problem in the consecration of a bishop whose ministry will not readily be received by a significant proportion of Christians in England and elsewhere.” The archbishop thus expressed one of the strongest arguments against the consecration of women bishops.

The Rev Courtney Atkin
Ledbury, Herefordshire

Sir, As a layman at the recent meeting after the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon), may I say how grateful we should be for the prayer-based vision of the leaders who arranged it. To hear three archbishops, from Africa, Australia and South America, being so clearly committed to salvation through Jesus Christ was a great inspiration.

Trevor Stevenson
Crowborough, E Sussex

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