Madam, - May I thank Father Eoin de Bhaldraithe of Bolton Abbey for the gentle and generous tone of his letter on the appointment of the new Dean of Christchurch (March 10th)? I suspect the vast majority of priests - both Roman Catholic and Anglican - agree with him.
Incidentally, speaking of "gentle and generous", I can't help thinking it shouldn't be beyond the powers of the Anglican Church to express the Thirty-Nine Articles in contemporary English. Language appropriate to 1562, 1634 and even 1870 is arcane and archaic in 2008. After all, the language of the liturgies is regularly revised.
On second thoughts - as an Anglican - I realise we probably have enough problems on our hands at the moment! - Yours, etc,
KEN STANLEY,
Castledermot,
Co Kildare.
Madam, - Should not the Vatican's recent announcement that Pope Benedict XVI intends to "rehabilitate" Martin Luther silence those who have uncharitably criticised Archdeacon Dermot Dunne's acceptance of the position as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral? - Yours, etc,
ADRIAN CARROLL,
Gladstone Street,
Clonmel,
Co Tipperary.