In his Viewpoint article on division within the church [TLC, Sept. 8], the Very Rev. Philip Turner referred to the formation of new groups of Episcopalians and hinted that more might be forthcoming. Such developments are not encouraging. In the past, the presence of parties, or groups, within the church was easier to identity. There was high church and low church; Anglo-Catholics and evangelicals. Each had an accepted and historic place within the Anglican Communion, and while there were disagreements between the two sides, there was a sense of shared heritage.

Today there is a vast difference. We now have the division between liberals and conservatives, and there are sub-groups within each category. A sense of winning, of being in power, permeates arguments and discussions. Many liberals and conservatives do not understand each other and few seem interested in learning more about the other side.

The current tension between the two sides is unhealthy and even dangerous. The church would be far better off if its members gave more attention to the ties that bind us together.