So, the Dean and Chapter of York Minster has finally decided to ignore the wishes of both its own Archbishop and the people of York, and put greed first, taking away York's flagship resource from the people and reducing it to the level of Jorvik and Flamingoland.

It is important that we are not taken in by the pleas of poverty, and sob stories about financial deficits.

The Church of England is a fantastically wealthy organisation, as well as being one of the UK's biggest property and land owners. However, its track record on the treatment of its own employees, the clergy, shows that it believes in hoarding that enormous wealth for itself rather than using it for the good of others. I have always found it incredible that parish priests are still obliged to hand round the begging bowl - sorry, collection plate - at Sunday services.

I suggest that now the Dean and Chapter seems to have declared the Minster to be no more or less than another business, we the people treat it accordingly. That is: no more donations or "charitable" appeals for the Minster. No tax breaks. No special status in the case of planning and other rules imposed by the city on other businesses. No free advertising and publicity in tourist literature in which other businesses would have to pay (e.g. pictures and words featuring the Minster as an attraction) In short, a withdrawal of goodwill by the people and our representatives.

Maybe the Dean and Chapter may then have cause to reflect on just who the Minster really belongs to... now who was that again? Oh yes, God. Remember him, guys?

Andy Scaife,

Lowther Terrace,

York.

Updated: 12:16 Saturday, April 26, 2003