It has been fascinating to see the reaction of the Episcopal Church leadership to the Lambeth Conference. Prior to Lambeth, conservative clergy like me were told that we were no longer "mainstream" Episcopalian, the inference being that our opinions could therefore be ignored. Following Lambeth our liberal leadership has discovered that they are no longer "mainstream" Anglican.

I was disappointed, therefore, but not surprised by the letter from the president of the House of Deputies [TLC, April 18]. Pamela Chinnis and our former Presiding Bishop had an agenda for this church which they seemed determined to follow whatever the consequences. For them it appears to have been a win at all costs mentality. Now it seems that nothing as unimportant as the overwhelming repudiation of that agenda by the Lambeth bishops should be allowed to stand in the way. If it should cause schism within this Communion, so be it. If it should cause other provinces of the Anglican Communion to break fellowship with us, which is a strong possibility, what of that?

I hope that enough General Convention deputies will bear Lambeth in mind and have the good sense to see Ms. Chinnis' divisive letter for what it is and ignore it. On this occasion, they should listen to the wiser counsel of the "junior" house.

(The Rev.) Brian C. Hobden

St. James' Church

Mesilla Park, N.M.