From Mr Victor Baker-Holmes
Sir, — What a sad business is the matter of the irregular ordinations in Surbiton. You mention that Dr Philip Giddings ( News, 11 November) holds the view that what should be addressed is "how reconciliation can be achieved". That sounds very fine, and one cannot help wondering what might have happened if Martin Luther and the other Reformers and those who opposed them had taken a similar view. Perhaps we might be more united as a Church than we are to-day.

Nevertheless, faced as we are with what sounds very much like schism in the diocese of Southwark, perhaps this is the time to remind the Revd Richard Coekin and the other clergy who have supported him that obedience is at the heart of discipleship.

The Bishop of Southwark has quite properly revoked Mr Coekin’s licence after what seems to have been a long period of trying to effect reconciliation. I hope that this action also includes the suspension of any stipend that Mr Coekin may be receiving from the Church of England. A period of financial stringency might well persuade Mr Coekin to adopt a more reconciling approach himself. It might well also act as a warning to other clergy who are tempted to follow a similar course.

It goes without saying, I hope, that clergy and others are quite at liberty to disagree with their bishop. Let them do it, please, within the recognised structures, as fellow-workers for Christ.

VICTOR BAKER-HOLMES
21b Trinity Crescent, London SW17 7AG