Letter: John Smith: a man who will be sorely missed

Sir: The death of the Rt Hon John Smith, the Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition, leaves a black hole at the centre of our national life. In my 40-odd years I cannot remember a leading political figure in this country whose Christian commitment resulted in such a unique blend of integrity, intellect, political acumen and humanitarian concern.

He stands in the great tradition of the Old Testament prophet Amos, who fearlessly condemned the injustices of his day and whose great clarion call was 'Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream'.

We can ill afford to lose the life of someone of his goodness and greatness. It will be hard indeed to reflect on the loss to his family and to the nation in church this Sunday.

Yours faithfully,

DAVID WILES

St Luke's Wimbledon Park

London, SW19

12 May