LETTERS: The changing role of church leaders

From The Rev Donald Reeves Sir: Michael de la Noy's accurate obituary of Bishop Mervyn Stockwood (14 January) is a telling reminder of how much the Church of England has changed in less than a generation.

It is inconceivable that a man like Mervyn Stockwood would be appointed a bishop in today's Church.

Our bishops are hard-working and competent "men in grey suits". But management and leadership have become confused. Mervyn left management to others except when a crisis in a parish or the diocese demanded his close attention. He was often difficult to work with but he had the freedom to be a persuasive, provocative and encouraging leader.

Yours faithfully, DONALD REEVES Rector St James's Church, Piccadilly London, W1

17 January The writer was Domestic Chaplain to Mervyn Stockwood, 1965-68.