Anglicanism does not need relics

DEAR Editor, The Shrine of Saint Chad is to be reconstructed in Lichfield Cathedral and a website mentions the option of texting a phone number to fix up a personal contribution of ten pounds.

I was ordained in 2017 but have becomes totally disheartened at the weird pathways Anglican bishops are taking.

Why contribute money to a shrine for ‘relics’, or rather to house the alleged ‘relics’ of any saint? Anglicanism, arguably, already has enough old relics in its House of Bishops, but few church members might wish to venerate them.

A UK book distributor (10ofthose.com) has deals running on a wonderful 77 page paperback called ‘Your Verdict on the Empty Tomb’.

It was written by the late Val Grieve, who came to faith as a sceptical Oxford Law student.

Looking properly at the evidence led him to become a Christian.

Val Grieve says the first Christians made no attempt to venerate the Lord’s mortal remains or tomb. Modern Anglicans should follow their wise example.

The crux of our New Testament faith is plain: ‘If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’