THE Rev Harold Goddard (You Say, October 16) makes the mistake of looking upon me as a newly-made Deacon, as green as grass and in the manner of politicians, attempts to hide the truth. This is called "spin".

Like others, he attempts to put the blame for the problems at Kidderminster solely upon the former vicar. This is totally unfair and unjust.

This priest could not have said and done what he did without motions being passed by the District Church Council and church wardens.

The whole problem arose because of the Bishop's support for homosexuals. If the former vicar had been at loggerheads with the DCC and church wardens before 2001, the Bishop and Archdeacon would have brought the charge of "a breakdown in pastoral relationships" against him.

Being a team vicar, with no protection of the parson's freehold, he would have been sacked and his ministry finished. Even the team rector could have sacked him.

There was a breakdown in pastoral relationships, but before 2001 it was between Bishop and congregation.

There is no doubt that in the Worcester Diocese there are other incumbents and members of congregations holding the same view as the former congregation of St John's, Kidderminster, but who are afraid to speak out.

This is born out by a Sunday Telegraph poll three weeks ago of 900 Church of England clergy, on the Ordination of homosexuals, in which 57 per cent said they would seriously have to consider leaving the Church of England and form a breakaway Church.

THE REV D G GRIFFIN,

Newland,

Malvern.