Just as it was inspiring and encouraging to read of the actions of Bishop Marshall of Bethlehem in relation to the ESA [TLC, May 23], so it was profoundly discouraging to read of the letter from six Anglican leaders to the Archbishop of Canterbury and to the primates in the Anglican Communion [TLC, May 30]. The reason is the same for both: Bishop Marshall exhibited an openness, inclusiveness and tolerance in conformity with the love of God and in the best Anglican tradition; the six leaders, a narrowness, divisiveness, judgmentalism and intolerance that surely is at odds with that love and tradition.

It was depressing to read of the primate of Rwanda being a signatory. His country has suffered terribly from division and intolerance, and the church in part supported that. The archbishop has failed to learn the lessons of that tragedy, while continuing to seek and receive aid for his country from the very churches he condemns.

I would only add that, thank God, the Archbishop of Sydney does not speak for the Australian Church, or for the Province of New South Wales, and Sydney is one of a small number of Australian dioceses opposed to the ordination of women.

(The Ven.) Philip Newman

Archdeacon of Malvern

Diocese of Melbourne

Victoria, Australia