Criticism unfounded

Yes indeed, Great Malvern Priory is alive - in all sorts of ways, of which only one or two were mentioned by her. But what a pity that she spoiled her letter by her criticism of our local clergy.

Those who organised the dedication service of the peace exhibition were not "forced to look for a vicar from outside the local community". They presumably chose to invite Rev David Nichol of Powick, who is chairman of Churches Together in Malvern and as such is very much part of the local community.

The Vicar of Malvern Priory, Rev John Barr, was not asked to conduct that particular service but was more than happy for the Priory to be the venue. But in this day and age, when the demands on our clergy (not, please, that awful phrase "professional Christians") are as never before, they cannot be expected to attend every service or ceremony, however worthy the cause, that takes place in the church. Time and again the Priory Church is used as a venue for all kinds of events. Our vicar welcomes and encourages this. But if he were to be personally present at every service or event he would never get around to all the other equally important demands on his time - visiting of the sick and bereaved, pastoral care, leading and overseeing the many activities of the church, training lay people and delegating, linking with the community, outreach, preparing sermons and services, carrying out his duties as rural dean, time for prayer and study etc etc, not to mention having precious time with his own family. Let's be fair to our clergy. They are, after all, human! They are few on the ground and they do a fantastic job. But the days when we can expect them to be everywhere at once are gone.

It is for us lay people, with the blessing and encouragement of our clergy, to organise and support these events to which we give priority. After all, we, as much as the clergy, are the Body of Christ, the Church.

DR DAVID WEBSTER, Hill End, Upton-upon-Severn.