John Parry has misinterpreted Archbishop Desmond Tutu's views on who might become the next Archbishop of Canterbury (March 1).

Archbishop Tutu properly suggested, since only about two million out of 70 million Anglicans live in England, all the bishops of the Anglican communion should be considered for the job of heading a worldwide church.

It is worth noting Archbishop Tutu made no reference to candidates' racial origins.

Long ago, St Paul told the Church in Galatia, "in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave or freeman, male nor female, for you are all one person in Christ Jesus."

While parts of the Church still struggle with the male and female bit, racial distinction is largely a non-issue.

I would have thought the most important thing to look for in a new Archbishop was whether he was the best person for the job, English born or not.

Archbishop Tutu has worked all his life to promote racial justice.

As Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he helped South Africa avoid ripping itself apart after nearly 50 years of apartheid hatred.

Mr Parry demeans Archbishop Tutu's service to his Church and country by accusing him of political correctness.

As an interested outsider, I hope the new Archbishop will be a turbulent priest when circumstances call for it.

Standing up for the oppressed and challenging the powerful can be an unpopular business, as Archbishop Tutu knows to his cost.

Which reminds me of something else he once said: "When people tell me Christianity and politics don't mix, I wonder which Bible they are reading."

-Reverend Rob Hufton, Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove