LETTERS Cosmic exclusive
Sir: Mr John Gummer's article (The worst of church times', 18 July) has inspired a response from Archbishop Cranmer him- self, which I thought you should see:
Good Gummer, It hath been granted by God's especial grace, that I should write to thee of those matters upon which, because they both disturb thy mind and distress thy soul, thou hast poured forth many words for others to read in The Spectator magazine.
In the days of my earthly pilgrimage I suf- fered much through the pride of my own dis- tracted judgment and in the misguided ser- vice of Kings. Therefore, by the confusion of thy thoughts, I can discern the anguish of thy soul; and how, having turned from one Supreme Governess, thou dost seek in reli- gion both the service of an unchanging Truth and an escape from the monstrous regiment of women. In the time which in God's mercy is given to men to reflect upon their doings, I have learned how in many things I was mis- taken and it is my earnest desire that thou maycst profit by my error.
First, I tell thee straight that in the corridors of power the mirrors of history are much dis- torted. Thou dost write of the fear of schism; dost thou recall that I counselled my King upon the course which broke communion with the Bishop of Rome? Hast thou not understood that the words of prayer that now bring solace to thy spirit or somnolence to thy mind were forged under the hammer of dis- putation, shifting as I tacked before the winds from Rome, Germany or Geneva?
I wrote two different Prayer Books, one fol- lowing the other within the space of four years. As they were enacted there was no lati- tude; choice was not a notion pleasing to the prevailing powers. Persecution or imprison- ment waited for those who held to the safety of old forms and usages or complained that in conscience they could not use the new. As a true spectator, I smile to see how my innova- tions, smirched in their day by the accusation of heresy, have become the hallowed phrases that give refuge to those who flee the changes which new days and times require.
Thou dost protest against the purpose to bring our sisters to the priesthood and dost declare that if the present Archbishops should steer this course they would thereby dishonour those who went before them in the office. I cry shame upon so false an argu- ment. Bethink how I, with much controversy, first in the line of Canterbury, took a wife, believing it to be God's good pleasure. Did I put all who had sat upon the Throne of St Augustine in the wrong because I chose dif- ferently for my generation? I also knew the bitterness of curst, opposing tongues. Had they been equipped with a gift of prophecy they would have reviled me with the name of Spong. Thou dost have cause for thanks that by my example the marriage of the clergy became established in the Church of Eng- land, else thy reverend father would have for- gone a canonry and thou never known the comforts of a Vicarage.
We are creatures of diverse and warring pas- sions whose roots lie hidden. Therefore it behoveth us search our hearts lest in our loudest protests against the vices which alarm us we conceal the loins of David lusting after Bathsheba.
Nevertheless God's purposes proceed in despite of man's unworthiness. Therefore, fear not, little Gummer, the end of the world- wide Anglican church is not at hand. Saint Matthew teacheth us that 'every scribe which is instructed into the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old'.The future calleth forth new gifts as in the days of my new books. There remaineth also a place for those who revere the old; therefore thy room is sure, if so be that a wicked pride doth not blind thee to the faith of even those whose converse thou dost despise as `Tesco-speak', for surely the Lord of all creation heareth their voice and per- chance speaketh in their language.
Here the message ends. I feel most privi- leged to have been the vehicle of a cosmi- cally exclusive contribution.
+ Michael St Andrews
Bishop's House, Fairmount Road, Perth.
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