THE announcement that Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are to marry raises the question of the role of the Church of England as the established church in the 21st century.

It is generally accepted that Britain is now a secular society; all the fundamental decisions affecting our lives are made without much reference to Christian opinion which, in any case, is divided. Ever since Henry the Eighth the monarch has been supreme governor of the church - a position which is meaningless in a multi-cultural society.

Charles himself recognises this in his wish that should he ever be king, he should not be called 'defender of the faith' but 'defender of faith' - a radically different approach from the traditional.

The church should regularise its position by asking for an Act of Disestablishment and end this anomaly.

It would end the privileged status of the church and give independence to church and state.

The coronation is enshrined in the Anglican service of Holy Communion where the monarch specifically promises to uphold the church - a very partisan role which does not reflect the job of a modern head of state.

Even the arrangements for the wedding reflect a grudging compromise by a church which proclaims forgiveness and a new start for those who have made a mess of things. There are times when we all need this.

Charles and Camilla, however, are to be denied the forgiveness a church wedding would signify.

Malcolm Graham Smart,

The Courtyard,

St Martin's Lane, York.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, February 12, 2005