Thank you for the editorial "Painful Decisions". It was fair, balanced and compassionate, which is more than I can say for the letter from the Rev. Susan S. Gaumer [TLC, Oct. 24], which reeked of the increasing intolerance of many in the Episcopal Church, one of the factors prompting the establishment of the Anglican Mission in America. The letter is written as though she belongs to a totally independent church and not a church which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is particularly sad that she should accuse what she calls the "minority" of being neither comprehensive nor gracious.

Doesn't Ms. Gaumer realize that this "minority" is much more representative of mainstream Anglicanism than her viewpoint is? I was once told by a bishop that my views were no longer "mainstream" Episcopalian, to which I replied that I might not be mainstream Episcopalian, but I am certainly mainstream Anglican. Guess which of us was vindicated by Lambeth '98?

Thank you for the courageous editorial. I personally am saddened that the Anglican Mission in America was formed, and I will not become a part of it, but I understand the frustrations and pain which led to its establishment.

(The Rev.) Brian C. Hobden

St. James' Church

Mesilla Park, N.M.