A 'cracker' from the Yorks Post.

Maureen Hunt, Woolley, near Wakefield.

DISREGARDING the rights or wrongs of Rowan Williams' vehement criticism of the Government's plans for long overdue welfare reforms (Tom Richmond, Yorkshire Post, November 9), it seems to me that the leaders of the Anglican Church devote far too much time to politics to the detriment of their real function, which is to be our spiritual guides.In our secular society there are plenty of journalists to enlighten us, who are well-versed in all aspects of politics, not to mention a strong Opposition party in the House of Commons.Our permissive, amoral society continues to slide down the slippery slope into the abyss. From the Church, there is a deathly silence. Politics appears to be a safer option.We need religious leaders, with the courage and tenacity of Old Testament prophets, who will stand up and speak out in the face of hostility before it is too late.Four days before Christmas last year (Yorkshire Post, December 21, 2009), the Bishop of Wakefield wrote an article in which he discussed the forthcoming election in the spring. There was no mention of Christmas. What a missed opportunity. This year, let's hear the real message about the birth of Jesus. There are people out there who may never have heard it.Jesus said: "The harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers are few." Today there are many labourers but, if they are engaged in other work, how will they be able to gather in the harvest?