The beauty of the Anglican Communion is its celebrated diversity. Canon Hotchkiss defends the use of Rite I in the well-attended cathedral where he is on staff [TLC, Nov. 23]. I know that place; I have worshiped there. Rite I is "meet and right" in that southern, conservative culture milieu in Alabama. Folks go to church in the South in greater numbers than they do in the Northeast. If those yuppies in Birmingham can identify with "propitiation" and "vouchsafe" and not see the liturgy as some Shakespearean production, then they are indeed exceptions. It's probably more reflective of the church-going culture of the South. God knows lots of contemporary liturgies come off as rock music productions, but, as long as the gospel is preached, who's judging?

When I came to this nearly empty inner-city congregation a year ago, a Rite I liturgy was in its death rattles. Two people consistently came. One year later, with a multi-cultural congregation, 95 percent of whom wouldn't know a Sanctus from a parable, we use a "Rite Three" liturgy incorporating most of Rite II but with some of the supplementary texts for Great Thanksgivings and a variety of Intercessions apart from the usual six in the prayer book, which can become quite dull. There were no hymnals in the pews, so we paid for a copyright clearance and use a variety of hymns from six different sources which are printed. Using a completely printed booklet each week is necessary. Attendance went from six to an average of 45 in less than a year, and folks are still visiting and some are staying to join.

The bottom line? Bloom where you're planted.

(The Rev.) Steven Giovangelo St. John's Church Union City, N.J.