Earlier this year, I called into question the practice of senior clerics making confusing statements to an already doubting church (Letters, January 12).

On that occasion, I was referring to remarks made by the archbishops of Canterbury and York. It seems the ink had barely dried before the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was at it again.

It was reported that at an address in Cairo by Dr Williams - which, given his status, he must have realised would receive wider than normal circulation - he apologised for "imposing" Christian and Anglican hymns on the wider world, adding it was "sinful" of the British to have exported Jerusalem and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to the far reaches of the British Empire.

Against a background of such misconceived theology, it is surprising he did not say the missionaries of old were, in fact, the devil's disciples.

Christian missionaries did a great deal of good, not only spreading their faith but also building hospitals and founding schools, many of them losing their lives in the process.

They brought hope and joy to many people who they evangelised and, in so doing, introduced their music.

The fruits of their labour can now be seen in gospel music, especially among African people, who still perform Christian music .

It is regrettable that, when we need guidance on so many important issues such as family values and morality, our spiritual leaders gaze at their navels and make ill-considered and flawed remarks.

Shouldn't Dr Williams be seeking to defend Christian teachings and traditions? Shouldn't he be focusing on the ethical issues which bind our society at a time when the integrity of those in high office is constantly found to be lacking?

Shouldn't he also acknowledge this is predominantly a Christian country, which has its own rights but is prepared to accept and live with people of other ethnic origins and religious beliefs, instead of cringing before the forces of political correctness?

-Neil Kelly, Hove