SIR – With reference to Bob Churchill’s letter about music and Christianity (August 22).

I agree that sound and harmony belong to every human being. Still, the Bishop of Worcester is perfectly entitled to state that music (especially the one played in cathedrals) brings us closer to God.

The fact that deities (whoever and whatever they may be) and their cult are associated with music proves the link religionhuman spirituality. For some people this link is the highest achievement open to mankind. We may look with perplexity or even amusement at witchdoctors’ (or shall we say medicine-men’s?) rituals accompanied by chants or harmonies of some sort, yet the transport and the sincerity of the believers are evident.

I must also add, with due respect, that the letter in question has some anti- Christian barbs. A perusal of the First Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans would not come amiss.

JOHN E IEBOLE,

Worcester.