TO date much of the correspondence relating to the music of Malvern Priory church has been subjective and defensive. Now, objectivity is called for.

Having established what worship is and to whom it is addressed, it is vital to decide whether music in worship should be dominant or supportive; attracting attention to itself or lifting the worshipper into a higher dimension?

Would it be more or less acceptable and successful if the music-makers were out of sight, as in the Orthodox tradition?

Should not "superb quality" and "standards" in this context simply be synonymous with "the best of which we are capable" offered to God and not the congregation? To what extent is the music enabling the church to fulfil Christ's commission to go out with the Good News, to the community of Malvern and ultimately, to all humankind?

These criteria will settle any question as to the quality of the music in Malvern Priory, or in any other Christian church for that matter.

Those correspondents who do not appear to be conversant with the actual music of this church would be advised to familiarise themselves with its ambience regularly over a period of time and then make judgement.

Mrs Susan Appleby,

Church Farm House, Welland.