Is one supposed to be amused by Rev Malcolm Harries’ letter (Guardian, July 31)? 


He states that Rev Harcourt would be well able to quote Scripture references for women in ministry. 


Between them, neither has managed to do this. 


The Scripture verse quoted by Rev Harries is from the apostle Paul, en-couraged by the spiritual progress of believers in Jesus in the Roman colony of Philippi.


We live in an age when many people who profess to believe in Jesus just do whatever they like and vaguely hope that God is not bothered.


Not only does Paul show that men should have the responsibility of being bishops, but he does say this about women in the Christian Church: “Let a woman learn in silence (quietness) with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man but to be in silence.” (1 Timothy 2 verses 11 and 12). 


Like so many other subjects in the Bible, this can be modified today – by ignoring it.


Rev Robert Weissman,
Peel Road,
South Woodford.