William Paddock and (The Rev.) J. D. Edwards' frustrations [Oct. 8] with Bishops Rodgers and Murphy is understandable. When big names jump the fence it is news. Not covering them would leave people happily in the dark regarding the tensions within both the Episcopal Church (their church) and the Anglican Communion of which it is part.

Rodgers and Murphy are not the real story. They are part of a long -running tension which is the Anglo-Episcopal version of the "Battle for the Bible." Reading the book of that title would not be very edifying to an Episcopalian. He Is There and He is Not Silent by Francis Schaeffer would be more instructive. Slowly the real issues are emerging from behind their stand-ins of liturgy, prayer book, orders, women and human sexuality.

The real issues turn on who or what is God? Can God communicate with humankind? How does communication take place if it does? Has it taken place? What do you make of the man(?) Jesus called Christ?

It seems very likely that, until the Episcopal Church is again of one mind on these subjects, there will continue to be troublesome departures. They have been going on since 1946. They do seem to be gaining strength and cohesion.

Martin Axford

Salem, Ore.