I suggested the Archibishop of Canterbury use the power, influence and wealth of the church to help ease the plight of the 130,000 homeless children he mentioned (Challenges posed to church leaders, Soapbox, January 15).

In response, Maurice Vassie says it is the job of the archbishop to remind people "there is more to life than acquiring possessions" (Sitting targets, Letters, January 18) - well, the church should practice what it preaches.

Mr Vassie wrongly claims that the church can't make money from its occupied lands and properties - it already does so.

But it can make even more by converting its churches and other property into accommodation for the homeless.

This could be achieved because: (a) the converted property will add value to the estate of the church, and (b) the church could receive EU and Government grants to carry out the conversions.

If churches are converted, the integrity of the outer appearance of the building could remain unchanged, essential repairs could be carried out and there could still be room for a chapel for reflection and congregation.

The church should work with Government and aid agencies such as Shelter and the Salvation Army, so that the benefits of housing the homeless would be directly beneficial.

Mr Vassie claims the church can't get the altruistic message of Jesus Christ across to people if churches are closed and people sacked.

Churches are closing down anyway, and the Church of England could find a new lease of life by administering the utilisation of suitable churches and building new property for the homeless on land it owns.

More work would be generated for the church and its people, not less, and more churches - albeit somewhat modified - would remain open.

If the church publicly asks the Government to help in its quest to house the homeless, how can it refuse?

T Scaife, Manor Drive, York.