FOLLOWING your negative publicity concerning the failure of the new Archbishop of York to attend a village carol service on December 16 at Bishopthorpe (due to moving from Birmingham that very day), I am writing in his defence to say that he and his wife came to worship in the village over the Christmas period.

They attended St Andrew's on December 18 and they came to the service at the Methodist Church on January 1 for a United Covenant Service.

On both occasions, the congregation gave spontaneous applause to express their delight at the presence of Dr and Mrs Sentamu.

We look forward to having them share in the life of our local community.

Rev Dr Maurice Staton,

Methodist Minister,

York South Circuit,

Horseman Drive,

Copmanthorpe, York.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, January 05, 2006