AS a vicar and writer in the Church of England who has served in various parts of the Anglican Communion, I welcome the present debate about the state of Christianity in the UK.

With national coverage of Cardinal Murphy-O'Connors comments on the powerless nature of the Church, and the prominence the media has given this subject, congregations of every church in the land are now discussing "what has gone wrong".

The blame is being placed upon materialism and an increase in science. But this doesn't explain why, for instance, Christianity is so powerful in the USA, (which is the wealthiest and most scientifically advanced nation on earth) that in many areas, nearly 50 percent of the population attend church.

Nor does it explain why at a global level Christianity is continuing to grow. Clearly the reason for the decline of Christianity in the UK must lie with something else.

Living in an age of reason, churches realised long ago it was not enough to tell people what they should believe; it needs to be backed up with factual information as to why it makes sense.

These congregations, for example, are given regular reports on the latest archaeological discoveries which back up the Bible, such as the work being done on the "Boat-Shaped Object" which the Turkish Government has declared to be the ancient remains of Noah's Ark.

They are frequently told about the scientists who now accept that organisms are far too complex to have occurred by chance.

What do you think? Please sent any correspondence to me at The Church of England Vicarage, Clayhill Road, Leigh, Surrey, RH2 PD enclosing an A5 SAE envelope with a 45p stamp.

J WILLIAMS, Christ Church Brockham Green, Leigh, Surrey.