On the subject of the role of the Church in the 21st Century, may I be so bold as to suggest that the Church's strength lies not in compromise but in leadership.

The underlying, simple message of Christianity on questions of morality and conduct is unequivocal. In St Mark's Gospel, Chapter 10, Jesus is uncompromising on the issue of divorce and remarriage; and in Romans, Chapter 1, St Paul pulls no punches on the subject of homosexuality.

In the post war era we have removed many ancient landmarks and watered down clearly declared statements of faith and conduct, with the result we are like ships, drifting, without a competent captain at the helm. People of every generation have, until now, been able to look to the Church for leadership and strength, but sadly today we have a church hierarchy hellbent on facing in every direction with the result they provide no leadership and no source of strength.

In my view the Church would in the long term gain considerably by standing firm and unbending in a world of change. The Church could and should be a sure anchorage and a safe haven in an uncertain world. The church should be fighting to stop any attempt to repeal Clause 28.

JOHN J JONES

Plymouth