Letter: Criticisms ignore Dr Carey's humanity

Sir: I have the highest regard for the British press, having been impressed by its independence and courage. But I must say that I have been quite appalled in recent years by the way in which whoever has been the incumbent at Lambeth Palace has seemed to be fair game for attack.

When the world's Anglican bishops attended the 1988 Lambeth conference we were shocked at the caricature that newspapers were presenting of Archbishop Robert Runcie. Many expected the conference to be a flop, yet it was a resounding success largely because of Robert's warmth and caring. While under attack in England, he endeared himself to the entire communion by his active support of Anglicans who were suffering, and we in South Africa will never forget his backing when the South African government was harassing the churches.

When George Carey became Archbishop, he was the blue-eyed boy of the press for a short while. Now, as Andrew Brown has reported ('Trouble for that nice Dr Carey', 9 April), he is criticised for the qualities which Robert Runcie was pilloried for not having. For instance, Robert was hammered for allegedly being indecisive, George is under fire for being decisive on the issue of ordaining women.

I just want to say that George Carey has already endeared himself to the Anglican communion. He did an outstanding job in January when he chaired international Anglican meetings in South Africa. Most important, he is warm and caring, a people's person who reaches out to touch all. His model of pastoral leadership may not fulfil the expectations of journalists accustomed to concentrating their reportage on high-level English ecclesiastical politics, but it is no less valid for that. In fact, I would submit it meets the demands of our time.

God has given us a wonderful leader in George Carey. We hope that as well as being courageous and independent, the British press might try to be a little fairer.

Yours faithfully,

DESMOND CAPE TOWN

Claremont, Cape Town

South Africa

29 April

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