I WOULD like to clarify some points in the article "Rebel Vicar in Church Split" (Shuttle, March 29).

Rev Charles Raven opposed the appointment of any team rector who would be licensed by the Bishop of Worcester, with whom he was in dispute. Mr Raven's own licence to minister in the west Kidderminster team ministry is from the Bishop of Worcester, with whom he is in dispute.

I have never at any time publicly stated my support for the Bishop of Worcester's stance on homosexuality, as Mr Raven claims in your article. But I have questioned Mr Raven's claim that there is only one agreed Anglican and Biblical view on this subject - which is his view.

As team rector of the Kiddermin-ster west team ministry, I have spiritual oversight of the whole parish, including St John's Church and St John's at Habberley. I am legally the "minister" of the whole parish. Mr Raven has been given "special responsibility" for St John's Church and district, but that is subject to my overall pastoral oversight. Where the pastoral relationship between Mr Raven and individuals, groups, schools and congregations within St John's district has broken down, then I assume direct pastoral care of them. Mr Raven cannot give me something which is already mine.

Mr Raven disapproves of the fact that the team PCC has overall legal responsibility for properties and finances in this team ministry. St John's DCC has limited delegated powers from the PCC to manage its own finances. But it needs to get the approval of the PCC for major expenditure, signing of contracts etc. This has not happened since the previous team rector left. Quite rightly, the Bishop's legal secretary and I, as team rector, have called on Mr Raven and St John's DCC to return to the proper procedures.

The diocesan registrar has ruled that collections for Mr Raven's Forerunner Trust in St John's Church are irregular and illegal without the approval of the PCC and team rector, approval which has not been given.

REV HAROLD GODDARD

Team Rector, Kidderminster

West Team Ministry