RE your letter from Robert Meggs (HAS, Jan 6). Clearly, he has little understanding of the workings of the Church and even less understanding of the Bible.

It is very easy to pluck an isolated passage from the Bible to suit your own argument. The passage used says more about the role of women in the society to which St Paul belonged, where women were generally oppressed and put down by a male-dominated society.

The role of the early Christian Church was mostly to do with caring for the poor, widows and orphans of their communities.

Paul’s letters also give many examples of this work being undertaken by women as well as men who had been willing and accepted for this responsible work.

The important point was then, as well as today, for people (men and women) to be willing to be of service in doing God’s work.

Can I assure Mr Meggs that there are many churches where men are as willing as women to make tea, arrange flowers and hand out the hymn books, which is being of service, not running the church.

David Local, Wynyard, Billingham.

ROBERT Meggs shows genuine concern for the welfare of women in the Catholic Church (HAS, Jan 6), but it seems to stem from a bitter hatred for the Church and all it stands for. These women have the gift of free will to choose what they consider right and proper in life and are happier, I suspect, than he will ever be.

So stop worrying about them, Mr Meggs, and have a Happy New Year.

Frank Hickey, Bishop Auckland.