Canterbury's way
From Mr Jeremy Harris Sir: Any lingering doubts that the media 'silly season' is upon us have been dispelled very effectively by Damian Thompson's latest confection (`Fighting primates', 3 August). The reheating of ancient halfbaked rumour and innuendo, designed to feed a particular agenda and set of prejudices, is one thing. But your readers should not attempt to digest a couple of the ingredients without the benefit of a fresh health warning.
First, the assertion that the current Archbishop of Canterbury either wanted or tried to block the appointment of his successor is ludicrous. As a simple matter of fact, an archbishop has no role in the appointment of his successor, and no amount of journalistic manoeuvring alters that reality.
Second, the claim that Archbishop Carey was 'spitting with rage' at the choice is equally wide of the mark. He has publicly greeted the announcement 'with joy'. And he has done so, as anyone who knows him will need no persuading, because that is what he feels.
Finally, the choice of Church House, rather than Lambeth Palace, as the venue for the initial news conference, far from being a matter of dispute, was welcomed as the best and most convenient location.
Jeremy Harris
The Archbishop's Secretary for Public Affairs, Lambeth Palace, London SE1
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