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Responses to the Lent series on the laity’s duties

From the Rt Revd Michael Doe
Sir, — Your Lent series on what the Church of England expects of its lay members urged (Faith, 29 February) the need to “contribute fairly to the expenses of the Church and to give generously to the needs of others”, drawing attention to the General Synod recommendation that we each give five per cent of our take-home income “to and through the Church”. May I add two more important things?

First, in 1996, the Synod also called on all PCCs to commit at least five per cent of their annual income to the support of the Church of England’s world mission agencies.

Second, what we give to and through the Church, for its work here and worldwide, is much more than an optional charitable action: it is a sign and practical working out of our belonging to the Anglican Church.

As we approach this summer’s Lambeth Conference, there has been much talk about who is in or out of the Anglican Communion. The issue for those of us who accept God’s call to stay together in the Communion is how we will show that in practice.

There are all kinds of ways to relate to just one part of the Communion or just one aspect of its mission. Only a mission agency such as USPG: Anglicans in World Mission, however, supporting Anglican Churches in more than 50 countries, can provide the spread of relationships and the sharing of resources across the board which will make our Communion a reality.
MICHAEL DOE
General Secretary
USPG: Anglicans in World Mission
200 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB

From Mr Richard C. H. Mercer
Sir, — The Revd Dr Cally Hammond, in her article for your series on the spiritual discipline of the laity (Faith, 15 February), reflects on regularity of church attendance. She asks how many Christians go to church more than once on a Sunday, and mentions those with “multiple jobs” to do, “and, of course, the exhausted country clergy tearing round six churches in a day”.

I have been a Reader in the Hereford diocese for more than 25 years, and, on one occasion, had to take four services on a summer Sunday. It is not unusual for me to look after two. The norm is one.

At our annual meeting in the autumn, the diocesan, the Rt Revd Anthony Priddis, in thanking his Readers for their contribution said that, without the Reader ministry in his diocese, the work of the Church would be severely handicapped.

We are not seeking praise or further thanks — just recognition.
RICHARD MERCER
Tana Leas Farm, Clee St Margaret
Craven Arms, Shropshire SY6 9DZ


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