I am amazed my letter [TLC, Nov. 8] against Calvinism generated such negative response. Please be so kind as to give me opportunity to reply.

In my previous letter, I stated there had been times and places when Anglicans tried to be compatible with Calvinism. My critics filled in some of the specific details. For the most part, major Calvinist denominations have not offered to unite with us over those positions. Also, those "diluted" forms of Calvinism have not stood the test of time in shaping Anglican identity.

As to sacramental theology, The Shape of the Liturgy, by Dom Gregory Dix, describes how the Calvinist view of the Eucharist is not compatible with the ancient catholic view. Also, Calvin's Institutes denies the sacramental aspect of the other five sacramental rites.

Even though Calvin's Institutes recognizes some differences in roles and responsibilities between bishops and presbyters, it does not recognize the difference in order. That difference in order is an essential matter of both Anglican tradition and current practice.

In reference to the Church of South India, Anglicanism by Stephen Neill states, "In that area, nearly half a million Anglicans lost their Anglican existence . . ." It then goes on to describe later relations between the Church of South India and the Anglican Communion. It also describes significant differences between the churches of North and South India in relationship to the Anglican Communion.

The puritan form of Calvinism has never been a friend of the Church of England in particular or Anglicans in general. I have heard it said the Lambeth Conference is a Puritan's worst nightmare, purple shirts as far as the eye can see.

Michael Richerson

Wichita, Kan.