Letter: Cost of conscience

Sir: So Francis Bown has finally left the Church of England, denouncing it as "spiritually, morally and intellectually bankrupt" ("Vicar quits over women priests", 22 September). Fortunately for Mr Bown and others who have taken the route which he is now following, it is not also financially bankrupt, but will continue to pay out a tidy sum to those who have resigned from Anglican ministry because of the ordination of women.

It seems that the much-vaunted "cost of conscience" is being left for others to pay, notably parishioners who have stayed faithful to the Church of England. If these highly vocal opponents of the ordination of women had any integrity they would not wish to receive a penny in stipends, compensation, or pensions, from an institution which they hold in such contempt.

The Rev JOHN WHITE

Plymouth