I was disappointed to read of Bishop Allison's visitation to Brockton, Mass. [TLC, June 6].

My understanding of the situation - as reported in the church press, local newspapers, and episcopal letters - is that the former rector of St. Paul's, Mr. Hiles, was found guilty of sexual misconduct by an ecclesiastical court of his peers (lay and ordained) and was relieved of his sacerdotal responsibilities. Yet, instead of resigning from his parish, he has used his "cult of personality" to manipulate those under his pastoral care.

We have witnessed the tragic misuse of power in places such as Waco, Texas, and Jonestown, Guyana. Given this situation, I was shocked by Bishop Allison's comment that while Mr. Hiles and his congregation "might feel isolated in the diocese (of Massachusetts), they had a lot of sympathy and support in the worldwide Anglican Communion." Support for what? The sexual abuse and misconduct of a priest? Support for the misuse of his pastoral responsibility? Or support for focusing on keeping his job and position instead of trying to help his parishioners to undertake the difficult work to try to remain in relationship with their bishop, their diocese, the Episcopal Church, and the worldwide Anglican Communion? Bishop Allison should know better. Given the pain caused by Mr. Hiles, Bishop Allison's grandstanding for the ESA while turning a blind eye to clergy sexual misconduct lacks pastoral sensitivity, and comes at much too high a price.

(The Rev.) Mark S. G. Nestlehutt

Hingham, Mass.