How very sad to read Tim Lowden's recent letter (Chronicle, Letters, November 28, A toxic state). 

I know Tim well, and I also know the Dean of Winchester Cathedral well. I have had the pleasure of working with her for many years as I was chairman of the Cathedral Council. 

Tim relies on an article in The Spectator and, perhaps, a few disaffected members of the Cathedral congregation and/or community. 

But the vast majority of the Cathedral congregation I am sure think, as I do, that the Dean is sincere, kind and a true Christian, and that her retirement will be a real loss to the Cathedral. 

It should be recalled that the Dean runs the Cathedral with Chapter and if criticisms are to made about how the Cathedral is run she should not be singled out for blame.

And of course the Bishop of Winchester has set up a Review to look into various matters concerning the Cathedral and that Review has not yet completed its work.

Overall, I urge all those who profess to be Christians to be kind and gentle and follow God's teaching about loving one's neighbour.

Jean Ritchie KC

Stockbridge 

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