We can only rejoice that Episcopalians and Lutherans are growing closer in their life together. Had Henry VIII not written his missive about Martin Luther (thus becoming "defender of the faith") perhaps Anglican/Episcopal and Lutheran churches would have been closer centuries ago.

Since 1977 we have seen the proliferation of "continuing" Anglican bodies, concerned about prayer book revision, gender of ordained clergy, and now various issues of human sexuality.

Why don't we find a way to continue in communion with these various Anglican bodies? The consecration of Charles Murphy and John Rodgers [TLC, Feb. 13] simply illustrates how isolated traditionalist Anglicans feel today.

Would it be too much to ask General Convention meeting in Denver to establish an ecumenical officer charged with the responsibility of staying in touch with traditionalist bodies. One thing such an ecumenical officer could do would be to find ways to at least establish interim communion with some of these bodies.

(The Rev.) Lester B. Singleton

Church of the Mediator

Micanopy, Fla.