WE must express our disappointment at reading the headline quoting our rector had been reported as saying 'you can't use my church' regarding the use of Stoke Prior church.

The headline does not reflect the whole picture and does not take into account the true feelings of the churchwardens and congregations of our three churches.

We are pleased to receive a generous donation from the parish council towards the upkeep of the churchyard through which a public right of way exists.

However, it must be pointed out that laws exist regarding Christenings, weddings and burials that regulate which church should be used depending on the parochial boundary. Flexibility is possible via certain exemptions that can be discussed with the rector.

As he approaches the end of his second year with us, we as churchwardens find ourselves being led by a warm, gentle and honest man with a deep faith and sense of prayer, who has only the best interests of our parish and its people at heart. We have a duty to respect our neighbouring parish of St. John's and the church boundaries are set by Diocesan Law for this very purpose.

Our three churches throughout the parish welcomed hundreds of worshippers over the Christmas period and new people are always welcome to continue their worship at any time with us.

We trust this letter confirms the faith we have in the future of our churches, and we are looking forward to a growth in prayer and worship being led by the Rev Roger Antell.

Pete O'Connor and Greta Hedges (Stoke Prior), Ken Pinfield and Ron Mears (Wuchbold), Jenny Deighton and Jean Halfpenny (Upton Warren)