Letter: Clergyman's views incompatible with Christian ministry

Mr Gerald Coates
Thursday 28 July 1994 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Thank God, at last a bishop has demonstrated common sense. He has taken the obvious step of sacking a priest of God who doesn't believe in God.

And what would Don Cupitt, Keith Ward and their colleagues (letter, 28 July) have us believe? That it is quite OK to recite the Apostle's Creed with your fingers crossed behind your back.

What next? The office of chairman of the beef industry occupied by a vegetarian. The directors of SmithKline Beecham committed herbalists. Or what about the vacant chair left by Mary Whitehouse being taken up by a brothel-keeper? All of which seems eminently sensible if priests with the atheistic views of the Rev Anthony Freeman are to keep their jobs.

Of course, Mr Freeman and those who agree with him should feel free to express their views, but is the Church the place to put them forward?

Yours faithfully,

GERALD COATES

Director, Pioneer

Charismatic Evangelicals

Esher, Surrey

28 July

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in