Move denied us access to other viewpoints

In December the Habberley congregation wrote to the Rev Charles Raven expressing its disquiet at his increasing determination not to participate in the West Kidderminster Team Ministry, in which he is a team vicar.

We asked Charles to give us renewed access to the spiritual guidance of our team rector and others in the Diocese of Worcester.

In his reply Charles recognises our strong desire to identify with what we perceive as the "broader Church of England". But, as he sees it, the unfortunate reality is that the Church is gradually adopting more and more of the values of an increasingly secular society - his desire being to maintain the traditional Anglican position on biblical teaching, rather than follow the trend of the liberalism so rife in the Church of England today.

Charles then argues that since we do not feel that we can stand with him, effectively we have decided not to accept his spiritual leadership.

Thus Charles feels it is quite inappropriate for him to continue to have any spiritual responsibility for the Habberley congregation.

His decision is to be regretted. We did not ask Charles to withdraw his ministry, merely to allow us access to other viewpoints in the "broader Church of England".

Peter Dillistone rightly indicates that the Church of England is charged with ministering to the multi-cultural society that makes up the country in which we live.

I was pleased to read that our bishop has done much to encourage a realistic review of the priorities of our Church in the Worcester diocese.

With this in mind I, and no doubt other parishioners of St John's, will take steps to ensure that the monies we provide are used for the diocesan leadership, rather contrary to the reported statement by Charles in your article in the December 28 issue.

PETER SALMON

St John's Avenue

Kidderminster