Sir, If I am to be dismissed as “the man who managed the decline of the Anglican Church” (Comment, October 13), at least I have the comfort of being in distinguished company.

My lecture, Has Christian Mission Failed? The Challenge facing the Church in God-doubting Britain, which sparked the article, started only with the analysis of decline and then went on to demonstrate how the work of many church leaders, including that of my successor, Dr Rowan Williams, is leading us to a renewal of Christian mission.

In fact, the unsung work of many parish priests up and down the land deserves great praise.

GEORGE CAREY
House of Lords

From Mr Stephen Plunkett

Sir, The evolution taking place in Britain’s churches is mainly going on below the radar screen. Many of the main social programmes undertaken in communities are led by (young) people possessing a Christian faith and doing their selfless bit to transform the society we live in.

The future is not in grand set pieces and laudable speeches by remote senior churchmen, however much that is embedded in our society. The future lies in thousands of committed young people engaging with people in their communities and offering a human response to their need. Websites are good in conveying ideas, but it is the personal contact that can change lives for the better.

STEPHEN PLUNKETT
London SW12

From Mr Duncan Heenan

Sir, Plain speakers within the Church of England who can address issues relevant to the populace are not likely to rise in numbers within a selfperpetuating Establishment.

However, I see hope for the future of the grass roots in the large and growing body of non-stipendiary clergy and lay ministers. Nowadays about half of all Anglican ordinands are nonstipendiary. Unencumbered by church career considerations, and keeping one foot in the plain-speaking real world, they can bring the relevance of their faith to people in a way that full-time paid clergy may be unable to.

The bishops would do well to recall that they are supposed to be passing on the teachings of an unpaid ex-carpenter who was never part of the religious elite.

DUNCAN HEENAN
Niton, Isle of Wight

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