GERALD Morgan in last week's Review describes the situation affecting Lydbrook Church precisely.
While it can be said that the other religions, together with the other denominations of the Christian religion, are private organisations, the Church of England is the established church. It is the responsibility of the government to finance the upkeep of all Church of England cathedrals, abbeys and churches leaving Christians to use their money for good and noble purposes, and not have to spend the money on buildings as well.
The government already maintains our castles and ancient monuments; Church of England buildings should have been added to the list centuries ago. They could make a start by sending one cheque to Lydbrook Church for £18,446, and one cheque to the Inland Revenue for another £18,446, thereby solving any dispute between the two. Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's, give unto God what is God's. – Anthony Reeve, Littledean.