REGARDING your report (LET, September 4), while I understand the problems facing the leaders of the Blackburn Diocese and to some extent sympathise, I do feel that they have adopted an autocratic attitude, tinged with arrogance.

We, the Patronage Trustees of St Silas, Blackburn, have not had the courtesy of a reply to our letter outlining seven good reasons as to why we should have the right to appoint a new vicar to our church.

Surely, the Church belongs to those people who, Sunday after Sunday and weekdays, too, give of their time, talents and financial support, with no material gain whatsoever.

In my opinion, the job of the clergy is to provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance along with Christian teachings.

Needless to say, I am opposed to the merger of parishes.

FRED KEMP, Chairman to the Patronage Trustees of St Silas', Blackburn.