Church custodian

THE Church of England hasn’t decided whether it is a living religion or a custodian of ancient monuments that require vast sums of money.

This problem not only affects cathedrals, which may face closure ( Mail), but also burdens rural parish churches with high maintenance and heating costs, coupled with falling parishioner numbers.

It took many long, agonising and at times acrimonious debates before women clergy were finally allowed, and without them the situation would be dire. I expect a similar debate and indecision before this situation is rectified.

DAVID SPENCER, Bridge, Kent.