From Mr David George and others

Sir, — We ordinary members of the congregation of St Mary and St Michael, Trumpington, Cambridge, are appalled at the report of the tribunal (News, 25 January).

We doubt whether any members of the tribunal have ever been in our church. As far as we are concerned, the church is a happy place with a friendly atmosphere; and, at the coffee get-together after the service on Sunday mornings, there is good fellowship and laughter: small children play happily, more senior and disabled people sit quietly, chat, and exchange news.

Numbers are increasing, and one certainly would not know there has been a “pastoral breakdown”. Everything is done “decently and in order”. With the flowers, music, and ancient architecture, this is indeed a very beautiful church, which is a joy to attend.

We are amazed that the tribunal has recommended that the Bishop of Ely should declare the benefice of Trumpington vacant, and cause the ruin of a man’s life and reputation, all because he was just following his calling, carrying out meticulously, with complete dedication, all the liturgical services, as well as parish visiting and all the day-to-day running of the church. Dr Ambrose’s sermons have been an inspiration.

The Bishop should come and ask the regular members of the congregation if they want to lose one of the finest priests in the Church of England.

David George, Sheila Duffy, Jane Mousley, Michael Mousley
c/o 4 Allen Court, Hauxton Road
Cambridge CB2 9LU