MUCH of humanist Philip Nathan’s argument in his letter, headed “Values (HAS, Jan 20), is rather naive. Those “secular”

justice-seeking equality laws he cites are controversial, being anything but just in their present form, not distinguishing conflicting rights and leaving it to the courts to tidy up any “mess”.

He constantly emphasises democracy, but conveniently forgets that many MPs and Lords – such as former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord (George) Carey whom he criticises – who democratically process just laws are serious Christians.

Regarding discrimination against women, the greatest asset in the Church’s mission are its schools, which are oversubscribed due to academic success and those Christian values derided by Mr Nathan.

Darlington has five such schools with women headteachers; Stockton has four in six; Hartlepool, four from seven; and Sunderland, six in nine. All are appointed on merit from mixed shortlists by Church governing bodies on which women sit with local education authority representation. In the Church’s mission of leading people to God, these women are arguably as influential as any priest.

About “inter-religious” scandal and conflict past and present, Ghandi once remarked: “I like your Christ, but not your Christians.” Asked why not, he replied: “Because they do not behave like your Christ.” Enough said.

Michael Baldasera, Darlington