If one interprets the word anyday in its proper context, it would appear that Fr Thomas Copper (May 31) has just swept a certain parishioner-completewith-words into some sort of spiritual dustbin, without even an "E" for Effort!
At the same time, he goes to great theological lengths to extol the merits of his favoured hymn. While I have no doubt that he could tie me up in little knots of dogma, I cannot see that the evangelical presumption, sweetness and general ethos of the original words express Catholic belief and attitudes.
I assume that the gifts of faith, hope and love have not been withdrawn and that they are still matters of doctrine in all Christian churches, therefore the rejected words qualify and Unity has not been disrupted. The two hymns then, must be judged on their aesthetic qualities, but who will presume to set the standard? Each writer has expressed, very simply, an emotion of the spirit.
If .Fr Cooper sees beauty in "Amazing Grace", and none in "God's gift of Faith", does it really matter to the rest of the world?
By the same token, does Fr Payne really need a lecture in theology, because he happens to have other views? Surely not!
As the writer of those discarded words, I feel I must come out of obscurity to defend the right of choice for Fr Payne and accept my share of Fr Cooper's criticism. I hope that he in turn, will accept mine.
(Mrs) Monica Villers 80 Woodland Drive, Bromham, Bedford.