The Revd Tony Crowe writes:

IN HIS obituary of the Revd Pamela Lloyd (Gazette, 23 October), the Dean of Canterbury rightly highlights her commitment to the ordination of women. Pamela was also in favour of blessing same-sex relationships.

I gave her copies of services that I had taken at St Luke’s, Charlton, London SE7, from 1978 to 1994. In May 2000, Pamela blessed the friendship of two women in her home, witnessed by family and friends. She produced a beautiful liturgy, expressing love and commitment.

After the Peace, she said: "The ceremony in which we are all par- ticipating is a bold and revolutionary act. As you all know, many in our society do not yet recognise the validity and worth of the relationship we today celebrate and affirm: indeed, many are openly hostile to two persons of the same gender who decide to commit their lives to one another. We pray that some day men who love men and women who love women will no longer feel the scorn of some."

Public opinion has changed since 2000, and I would urge clergy to follow Pam’s example in responding to the pastoral needs of lesbian and gay people, if they seek a blessing of their relationships.