8 FEBRUARY 1975, Page 4

Sir: If 1 remember my history, Cranmer , Latimer, and Ridley

were burnt at the stake partly because they denied the theory of transubstantiation a capital offence under both Henry VIII arid Mary. The Church of England still denies this theory (Article 28) without denying the 'real presence' of Christ in

Holy Communion. •

Under Elizabeth I it was the Pope (Pius V) who attempted to withdraw his followers from the English Church, thus committing the schism between Rome and Canterbury. The Church of England has never, in fact, formally excommunica ted the Roman Church. Roman Catholics are at liberty to make their communions in Anglican churches if they have been confirmed, 'truly and ernestly repent' and are 'in love and charity with their neighbour.' Finally, the Church of England, by the Elizabethan Act of Supremacy, accepts the first four General Councils, one of which, the Council of Constantinople (381), acknowledges a 'Primacy of Honour' to the Bishop of Rome.

R. G. Wilkes 45 St Chads Road, Bilston