CHURCH SEES LARGE RISE IN WORSHIPPERS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The commissioning of a new Anglican church in Belgrave, which worships in a range of languages, in 2012, has boosted numbers

Church sees large rise in worshippers

by Tim Healy

Nearly 2,000 people have joined Church of England congregations across Leicestershire, a survey has revealed.

Many parishes are reporting that numbers attending services are on the increase following years of decline.

The figures for 2012 have just been published by the Diocese of Leicester, from responses sent in by more than 300 churches.

It means that across the diocese, more than 22,000 people are now regular members of an Anglican worshipping community.

The Bishop of Leicester the Rt Rev Tim Stevens said: "These figures reveal that in times of austerity people are looking for deeper satisfaction and meaning in their lives.

"Churches that are welcoming, responsive and prayerful increasingly meet that need."

The survey detailed many reasons people were prompted to find out more about the Christian faith, with a newer form of all-age, more creative church entitled Messy Church being one of the most popular.

A new multilingual congregation in All Saints, Belgrave was set up last year.

A parish spokesman said: "We have managed to reach out, resulting in 16 people being baptised, including those of other faith backgrounds."

Other churches have been involved in projects to feed those in need.

In Ashby, the CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Midlands National Forest Centre has continued to provide debt counselling and advice to an increasing number of clients.

The Rev Barry Hill, who is responsible for mission in the diocese, said: "This report brings much good news, not least that more than 22,000 Christians of all ages are showing they live, work, study, play and socialise together and that God makes a difference in their lives, in that there is much more with Jesus than without.

"The most reassuring trend is that the increase is a small and steady trend across a large number of churches, so is likely to be sustainable."

About 12,500 people attend worship on an average Sunday, and a further 3,000 on weekdays.

The number of people who attended Anglican services at Christmas 2012 was 36,800 – the highest number since 2008.

Details from the parish showed the majority of churches surveyed, 215, had Sunday congregations of fewer than 50.

There were 40 congregations of between 51 and 100, 16 between 101 and 150, nine of 151 to 250 and two of more than 250.

However, the parish returns show the average age of a worshipper remains about 14 years older than the population as a whole. This is illustrated by 465 members of churches dying in the past year.

The research, conducted annually, is available in full on the Diocese of Leicester website: www.leicester.anglican.org

CELEBRATING EASTER, WITH BAPTISM & BONNETS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Celebrating Easter, with baptism and bonnets

Worshippers plunged into a freezing outdoor water tank as part of an atmospheric baptism ceremony at dawn to celebrate Easter Sunday.

The build-up to the service began on Saturday, when about 100 people gathered at Leicester Cathedral for an all-night prayer vigil and to remember the Easter story.

Just before dawn, they went outside to light candles from a bonfire, bringing light into the cathedral, before an outdoor baptism as the sun came up.

Kumari Neelam, 43, from Rowlatts Hill, Leicester, was one of eight people to be baptised.

"It was very good and I am feeling very good. I have now gone forward to Jesus Christ, our saviour," she said.

"I am very happy to be baptised and now I feel very free and I feel alive."

Teenager Reese Musk, from Syston, said it was a ceremony he had been looking forward to for a long time.

The 19-year-old said: "Since I was little I have wanted to do this and I just never did.

"Now I have done it, it feels right.

"It was brilliant. I was a bit nervous beforehand – and it was really cold – but as soon as it was happening I was fine."

Ravinder Kaur, 35, from Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was also baptised.

She said: "At the time, lots of things were going through my head.

"My mum was baptised already and she asked me if I wanted to do it.

"I read up about it and my priest asked if I wanted to do it on Easter Sunday and I thought 'yes'."

The service, which began with a bonfire in darkness and ended with the first sunlight, symbolised the Christian belief that Jesus brings light to the world, even in death.

Entering the water and then emerging symbolises resurrection.The ceremony was led by the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens.

"It was a joyous occasion, with eight new Christians making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ after a night of prayer," he said.

"I was particularly encouraged that this included people of other races and different faith backgrounds."

Homemade chicks and carefully-coloured paper eggs adorned hats at an Easter bonnet parade.

Dozens of children made elaborate headgear for the event held at Leicester Market.

Ayaan Khan, from the city centre, made his hat with some help from mum Nishath.

The five-year-old said: "I had to get some things from the shop to help me make it and then stick it all on with some glue.

"I like the sparkling bits that are on the front and the bits that are hanging off.

"I learnt about Easter at school and I know that the Easter bunny will come and give us some Easter eggs and he will hide them and I will have to find where he put them."

Richard Dowsing, six, from Glenfield, made his Easter bonnet,

complete with dangling eggs and a huge chicken, by himself. Even if he did leave mum Bridgette to do the clearing up.

"I cut some eggs out and put some stickers on it and then coloured them in," said Richard.

"I made it all by myself because I love making things. I like it because I like the eggs hanging off my hat and the big chicken, too."

Proud mum Bridgette, said: "He's very creative. Anything to do with arts and crafts, you just set it out and away he goes."

Nine-year-old Lucy Houghton took inspiration from the seaside for her tall Easter hat.

"It has a slide that goes round the hat and then a bit of sea at the bottom," said the youngster, from Hinckley.

"I got the idea from my mum and I have never made a bonnet before.

"I think I might do really well because I think they will like how it pops out – like 3D."

Three children from each category won a bike, paid for by donations from traders.

In the six and under age category the winners were: Rhys Taylor, four, from Syston; Harshiv Naker, five, from Abbey Park, and Gabriella Webster, three, from Saffron Lane.

In the eight to 12 age category the winners were: Jade Owen, nine, from Birstall, Kira, seven, from Braunstone, and Kyil, nine, from Narborough.

There was also Easter family fun at Great Central Railway, which has been holding a vintage festival over the bank holiday weekend.

Quorn and Woodhouse stations were filled with traction engines, steam rollers, showman's and miniature steam engines, steam lorries and other historic commercial vehicles.

One of the star attractions was an 1898 Gavioli fairground organ, on display for the first time since 1923.

There were craft and trade stalls, a children's funfair at Rothley and a real ale tent with live music.

TUNEFUL TWIST TO THE EASTER TALE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Tuneful twist to the Easter tale

People flocking to the city centre yesterday to watch the story of Jesus's crucifixion were surprised to see less suffering and more singing.

This year's Christ in the Centre saw a 40-strong cast, in brightly-coloured robes, give two performances of a play written by children's author Meg Harper.

The show ended with gospel singing instead of the agonising death of Christ on the cross.

Afterwards, many said they preferred the more child-friendly version, while others missed the more realistic drama from previous years.

Clive Watts, 43, of Leicester Forest East, said: "It was very different to previous years and not what I expected, but I think it told the story and told it well."

Jill Carr, 49, of Evington, said: "The question is whether it's missing its central message. The death of Jesus was always done in a shocking way and now it's Jesus in a bright red robe."

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It was more child-friendly – my 13-year-old daughter didn't want to come because it profoundly affected her seeing the violence last year.

"But it's now a bit short and less gripping."

Tim and Jen Stratford, of Leicester city centre, were attending for the first time and enjoyed it. Jen said: "They made it so alive and compelling and I think it would appeal to everyone."

Tim said: "My feet are very cold, but I was impressed – it's great that they tell the story so clearly and well in the middle of the city centre like this and the number of people here is pretty good."

Sylvia Richardson, of Rothley, said: "It was brilliant. The lovely singing was fantastic. It's very nice to see Leicester celebrating a Christian festival."

Marion Seaman, 73, who lives near Market Harborough, said: "I loved the strong characters, especially Jesus and Judas – there was no namby-pamby acting."

Event trustee Jonathan Wheeler said about 6,000 people had attended the morning show and that the reaction had been good.He said: "We were doing something different and it went really well.

"We had a good number of people and the initial reaction was very good."

The event cost about £43,000 to stage and the organisers were about £8,000 short at the beginning of this month.

Bucket collections took place during the event to raise funds to keep it going in future years.

Mr Wheeler said: "We have our collections during the event and there is also a form on the programme for people to send in donations.

"We are very near the finishing line for this year but we need to make it more of a year-round fund-raising thing.

THE KING OF KINGS & THE KING UNDER THE CAR PARK

The Bishop of Leicester has written the First Person column in today's Leicester Mercury:

The King of Kings and the king under the car park

It may be that the Easter story takes on a special significance for us in Leicester this year. In the story, Jesus is laid in a tomb and three days later those who were closest to him discovered the body missing. The tomb could not contain Jesus. His presence, his spirit and his very life continued to make itself felt and, 2,000 years later, Christians feel and experience that life and seek to share it with others.

Unexpectedly, this year the story of our city seems to be almost intertwined with the story of a body and with a debate about the kind of tomb he should be laid in.

This newspaper has reflected that debate and shown us how deeply felt are the views people hold about where Richard III should lie and how his grave should be marked.

Rationally speaking, these are simply the last fragmentary remains of an individual whom none of us knew and whose story belongs to the remote past. Why then such passion, indignation and desire to signify his life and his death in a particular way?

Presumably, because in some way the spirit of Richard III lives on. In some way his short life is not extinguished by his death. In some way his life and his story have meaning beyond the grave.

If that is true for Richard III, Christians believe it is true for every human being. Our life is not defined and contained simply by the short span of time on this Earth.

Through the Easter story, we are given a picture of the highest possible degree of human living as seen in Jesus Christ. In him, the gap between what it is to be human and what it is to be divine was bridged. The love of God shone through him undimmed and undistorted.

The extraordinary conviction of the first followers who found the tomb empty was that a life lived so close to the love of God could not be extinguished by death. Further, they came to believe if this was true for Jesus Christ it is true potentially for every one of us who seek to live the loving life he led.

I welcome the debate about Richard III and his final resting place. It is a reminder to us all of the ultimate significance and dignity of every human life, including those who are not kings or whose names do not appear in the newspapers.

If Easter is true it is true for every one of us. Our life extends beyond the grave into an eternal life with God.

When Richard III is reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, that truth will be affirmed and celebrated as the truth about King Richard and as the truth about us all.

A very happy Easter to you all.

By the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester

NEW POPE APPEARS TO HAVE INTERESTS OF OPPRESSED AT HEART

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

New Pope appears to have interests of oppressed at heart

We have had a break with tradition in two respects after the Jesuit cardinal of Latin America, Jorge Bergoglio, of Argentina, was elected Pope.

"He has sent me to bring good news to the poor,To proclaim liberty to captives,And to the blind new sight,To set the downtrodden free."

This quotation from Isaiah is to be found at the beginning of St Luke's gospel soon after the infancy narratives.

Indeed, it is in this gospel that Jesus Himself is depicted as drawing attention to the prophecy with respect to outlining his own personal mission.

The attempt to realise these objectives, more especially with respect to the ministry of priests and nuns of the Roman Catholic Church in Latin America, has proved deeply controversial for the Vatican, certainly during the past 40 years or so.

Nowhere better could the oppression of the poor be better illustrated in this continent than that which existed to an alarming extent not so long ago in El Salvador.

It was in this country that the majority of the wealth was in the hands of a few families.

Further, as is often the case in these political circumstances, the military was utilised, at all costs, to protect the status quo.

Those who spoke out in favour of social justice for the poor were executed in substantial numbers, especially priests, nuns and teachers.

Even more significant, with reference to the election of the present Pope, Francis, a number of Jesuit priests who were teachers at the university were persecuted.

One person in particular who stood out during this horrific period was the former Archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero – assassinated in 1980 by government troops while celebrating mass in San Salvador at a small hospital chapel called La Divina Providentia.

Such was his popularity that an estimated 250,000 persons attended his funeral.

This was the price paid for speaking out in prophetic manner against poverty, social injustice, assassinations and torture.

The dilemma facing the Church at the time was that its priests, in the context of putting into practice what it called Liberation Theology, were openly aligning themselves with aspects of Marxism.

In simple terms, there was sympathy with the ideology's concern that radical changes should take place in the structure of society in order that much of the suffering encountered by the poor and oppressed could be alleviated.

By the same token, the Church has focused on a form of action in both Latin America and Africa that has largely steered clear of politics and has therefore been less controversial – that of Cafod.

This is the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, which basically uses as its motto "Cafod helps people to help themselves".

It concerns itself chiefly with the education of the poor such that they will become less dependent on short-term aid.

Farmers, for instance, can be helped to escape from a subsistence level of existence – one at the mercy of droughts and other vagaries of climatic conditions – by adopting more-productive measures, particularly in terms of being loaned modern machinery.

So this background to the Church in Latin America has particular poignancy for the Pope, as his ministry has been spent against this backcloth and, though at present we've seen or heard little of him, I'm sure we are in for an interesting time.

Most certainly in the spirit of the saint represented in his namesake, and his actions so far, I don't feel he is one who will dwell on much pomp and ceremony.

David Abbott, Stoke Golding

INAPPROPRIATE USE FOR OUR CATHEDRAL

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Inappropriate use for our cathedral

I write in support of Kevin Fletcher's letter ("Cathedral should not be market", Mailbox, February 23), regarding market traders in Leicester Cathedral.

In November, I e-mailed the cathedral authorities expressing similar concerns but have yet to receive a response.

Whenever I am in town, about once a week, I like to pop into the cathedral, light a candle and have a few quiet moments to say a prayer.

I attempted to do so on Saturday, November 17, and was charged £1 to be admitted.

I was happy to pay because I assumed there was a Christmas fair, or some sort of charitable event taking place.

However, when I got inside I found out this was not the case.

The cathedral had taken on the appearance of a market place and I was told the stall-holders were traders who had paid a fee to be there.

While I appreciate it is good for the Church to reach out to the community, and that revenue obtained by the cathedral from the stall-holders might be put to good use, I feel the atmosphere in the building on that day was inappropriate.

I believe the cathedral has other premises, such as St Martin's House where the event could have been held. I do not expect to have the Cathedral building to myself – and it is nice when the cathedral is full of people.

On November 17, however, it did indeed feel like the sort of place where Jesus would wish to overturn the tables.

I was able to light my candle (for which I made a voluntary contribution, as usual) and say a quick prayer, but I felt very uncomfortable.

I also think it was wrong to be charged to enter the cathedral in these circumstances.

Ann Stones, Leicester

CATHEDRAL SHOULD NOT BE MARKET

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral should not be market

In last Saturday's edition of More, under "Shoppers set to snap up vintage bargains" (February 16), I was disgusted to read of the UK's biggest vintage fair being held in Leicester Cathedral.

The cathedral is God's house and should not be used as a market place.

In the Gospel of John, chapter 2 verses 13-16 say: "When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

"In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves and others sitting at tables exchanging money.

"So he made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple areas, both sheep and cattle, he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.

"To those who sold doves, he said 'Get these out of here, how dare you turn my Father's house into a market?'."

Personally, I think it is a disgrace and against what the Lord taught by the cathedral letting itself be used as a market place.

Obviously for some reason they are not prepared to follow the above verses from the Gospel of John.

The cathedral is a holy place and God's house and should have remained so.

Kevin Fletcher, Coalville

WOMEN'S ROLE IN CHURCH SET OUT FULLY IN THE BIBLE

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Women's role in Church set out fully in the Bible

There has been a lot of media coverage regarding women bishops and priests.

However, not much has been covered regarding what the Bible says about the role of men and women in the church of Jesus Christ.

Is the distinction between men and women in the Church simply a relic passed along to us as a custom from a past biased against women?

One thing I know is the Bible teaches men and women have different, complementary roles to play in the Church.

The Bible says 12 men were chosen to be the founders of the Old Testament Church when they had a sister, Dinah, who could have been selected – Exodus 7:1; 5:20. Only Moses was selected to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt and Aaron was to lead as the high priest, despite Miriam, their sister, being a prophetess and older.

Only the male first-born son was to be the priest.

A system of male priests was established even though Israel was surrounded by nations that had a culture of selecting priestesses.

Twelve male apostles were chosen as the beginners of the New Testament Church when there were able women who might have been chosen.

The apostle Paul was inspired to write that bishops and elders should be male.

A bishop then must be "blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober minded, of good behaviour, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence". 1 Timothy 3:2-7

In Ephesians 5:22-25, he wrote: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the saviour of the body."Therefore, just as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."

When Adam was created, the Bible says: "It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helpmeet."

Women also have an important role in the church – see Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 8:3; 23:49; John 11:1-46; 12:1-8,1 Corinthians 12:27-31; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:8-11; Titus 2:4; Acts 2:17-18; 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5. From these we can see women in the Church played a very important role.

The problem comes when, as a body of believers, men and women, we do not do what the Bible says Christians must be doing in these last days – in Matthew 28:18-20 – but instead spend most of our time striving about who can occupy which position.

Ronald Mupfeki, Leicester

EVIDENCE POINTS TO EXISTENCE OF JESUS

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Evidence points to existence of Jesus

I really appreciate the platform that Mercury Mailbox offers for the discussion of various matters and, as a new contributor, I also appreciate the comments that others have made regarding the information that I have presented so far.

The interchange of experience and information can only be good.However, in commenting on my letter about the historicity of Christ, I am sure that most readers will realise that letters are edited by the Mailbox team, and for good reason.

With this in mind I would like to say that only about half of my letter was printed and I really feel that the material left out would be beneficial to the ongoing discussion.

The two first century historians I mentioned, Josephus and Tacitus, are not the only non-Christian writers who have referred to Jesus in their writings.

Pliny the Younger and Seutonius also accepted that Jesus was a real person.

Referring to early non-Christian historical references to Jesus, The New Encyclopedia Britannica states: "These independent accounts prove that in ancient times, even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus."

The historian HG Wells is reported to have said that a man's greatness can be measured by "what he leaves to grow and whether he started others to think along fresh lines with a vigour that persisted after him."

Wells, although not claiming to be a Christian, acknowledged: "By this test, Jesus stands first."

We could also ask, is it reasonable to believe that a man who never lived could have affected human history so remarkably?

Just think about it, even calendars today are based on the year that Jesus was thought to have been born.

I fully accept that the Roman historians never actually met Jesus, but they, by their writings, show that they accepted that he lived. So they must have trusted their sources and, as respected historians, their word has value.

When I consider all of the available information – the harmony of the Holy Bible, the historical writings, the opinions of those of greater intellect than me and the effect he had on Mankind, I am absolutely convinced of the existence of Jesus Christ as a truly historical person. But what is he doing now?

Keith Coleman, Worthington

HISTORIANS LATER

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Historians later

In his response to my last letter requesting proof of Christ's existence, via the supporting evidence of contemporary historians who lived at the time of Christ but were independent of any biblical connection, Keith Coleman (Mailbox, September 12) points out that Christ is mentioned by the first century historians Josephus and Tacitus.

However, what Mr Coleman fails to mention is that neither of these writers had been born at the time that Christ is said to have lived (c. 7BC or 5BC— circa 30AD or 33AD).

Josephus was born in AD37, and Tacitus in AD55.

Consequently, their accounts about the life of Christ were written quite a few decades after the events were supposed to have taken place and neither of them was in a position to confirm Christ's existence from direct experience.

If the only material available to them were accounts given by the four Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, whose attestations would eventually form the first four books of the New Testament with descriptions of the life of Christ – all so varied, they sound as if they were played out in four parallel universes – then the reliability of Josephus and Tacitus' writings as factual historical documents is very questionable.

That is unless they had access to the writings of contemporary and reliable independent historians who lived at the time of Christ and could confirm his existence. If that is the case, who were they?

Alan Pendragon South Knighton

DOUBTS SOWED IN USE BY SATAN

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Doubts sowed in use by Satan

There have been many letters to Mailbox about the existence of God. Some people demand proof of God's existence, although the nature of the required proof is not clear.

Perhaps the only acceptable proof for them is when they meet God face to face.

Doubting Thomas was only convinced when he could thrust his hand into Christ's side.

Satan knows full well that God exists, but chooses to go his own evil way. He does his best to sow doubts into the minds of all people.

He even offered the world to Jesus. He said: "It's mine, but I will give it all to you if you will only bow down and worship me." Christ declined the offer.

This suggests that each of us may be under attack from evil forces at some time or other and we may do our best to make the right choice.

One reason for our doubts is that we all live in an essentially physical world, yet man is both a physical and a spiritual being.

Living in a physical world means most people have little experience of their spiritual side during their lifetimes.

This may hinder our understanding of what is going on. We may be unaware that considerable struggles are going on in Heaven.

God is Love, but Satan works against everything that is good in the world and persuades the people that God is to blame for bad things that happen.

Although we will all endure the death of our physical bodies, our spiritual lives may continue.

The purpose of Christ coming to Earth was to preach the good news that through his sacrifice, people may be saved from their sins.

As for proof of all this, well, I have never seen Antarctica. I am sure it exists... yet can I be absolutely sure because no one has proved it to me?

Nigel Mutimer, Coalville

CHURCH PLAN NOT AT EXPENSE OF OTHERS

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Church plan not at expense of others

As the person responsible for delivering the exciting new Cathedral Gardens project, I can't let the letter headed 'Focus on the social issues, not gardens' (Leicester Mercury, Saturday, September 22) pass without response.

So I'm particularly disappointed that the writer didn't feel able to put their name to their views – not least because they clearly know quite a bit about the operations of the Diocese of Leicester, and their point of view deserves a more thorough response than simply another letter. But in the circumstances, that's all I can do.If I had the person in front of me, I'd want to ask them – "why do you think we have to choose?"

Surely this person will be aware of the wide range of work already going on which focuses on social issues, in parishes up and down the city and county, and through centrally-resourced projects.

That includes work with asylum seekers, separated families, young people and those on very low incomes.

It's true that one particular way of working, with a whole lot of associated administration and infrastructure, has been wound up.

That doesn't mean the work stops – it may even free up more resources to do it, not least through the outreach work going on in St Martin's House – which contains far more than the "opulent conferencing and banqueting facilities" your correspondent mentions, though it's kind of him/her to remind people we do also have that resource to offer, and to earn money for our other work in addressing social issues!

But to address the issue head on – is it never right to invest money in capital projects?

If so, then all our churches and community buildings – not to mention our homes and gardens – will eventually fall down, never to be replaced.

And is it never right for the Church to partner with people of goodwill and secular authorities for the greater good, as in this case? In which case we'd better not only abandon all our cathedrals, but also very many of our social projects, which rely on just those sorts of partnerships.

That's why I think criticism of Cathedral Gardens based on the argument "the money could be spent better on the poor" is fundamentally mistaken.

This is in part because the money is not being given for that purpose, but more importantly because sometimes it's important to do something more than spend all our money on the poor.

Jesus himself rebuked Judas when he complained that money was apparently "wasted" on an extravagant gesture.

The principle is the same: the poor will always be with us, and we will always be active in meeting their needs.

Sometimes other things are equally worth doing as well. Cathedral Gardens is definitely one of them.

Pete Hobson, director, St Martin's House, Leicester

PROOF IS THERE IF YOU LOOK FOR IT

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Proof is there if you look for it

Alan R Pendragon is still waiting for evidence of the existence of Jesus Christ, in his letter, "Historical Proof Not Forthcoming" (Mailbox, September 1). A very reasonable request, I would suggest.

Of course, the Bible is the principal source of evidence that Jesus is an historical person. The record of the Gospels state clearly times, places and events in detail.

However, for someone who cannot accept just the Bible's accounts, other sources must be found.

The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, referred to the stoning of "James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ," in his publication The Jewish Antiquities, Josephus, Book XX sec. 200.

Tacitus, a Roman historian of the first century AD, wrote "Christus, from whom the name Christian had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius."

These two are not the only non-Christian, first century historians to have referred to Jesus in their writings. I sincerely hope his evidence provides the answers Mr Pendragon is seeking.

As to the other matters he raised, such as the virgin birth, the answers are all contained in the Bible.

Jesus is not Almighty God. He never claimed to be. The Bible does not say that he is. He is the "son of God". Perhaps that is a discussion for another time.

Keith Coleman, Worthington

HISTORICAL PROOF NOT FORTHCOMING

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury (but not on its website):

Historical proof not forthcoming

There have been quite a few readers' responses to my letter questioning the existence of Christ, but none have so far offered the proof that I demand if I am to unequivocally accept their claim that there are no doubts about a historical Jesus.

All they have offered so far are declarations of the particulars that they personally believe justify their faith.

David Abbott (Mailbox, August 18) says that "The Christian versus Atheist argument has gone on long enough".

This is something that we can both agree on, but one thing that I must correct him over with regard to me is the assumption that I am an atheist.

I do believe in a higher intelligence whose presence permeates the entire universe, but I do not believe for one moment  that this presence is the god of the Bible, or indeed of any other religious text that I have read.

Victoria Brown (also August 18) claims that, as a Christian, she is content with "experience and the balance of probability".

I, too, go along with that maxim, but I am fascinated as to what experience she has had  suggesting the probability that at some point in human history a virgin could give birth to a god who would raise people from the dead, walk on water, change water into wine and survive his own death.

Alan R Pendragon, Leicester

SPIRITUALITY IS A FORCE FOR GOOD

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Spirituality is a force for good

I've read in Mailbox recently about the "Non-Existence of God".

Chris Lymn for instance (July 27) states that "Religions face an inevitable demise", and the "Absurdity of belief in God". How can belief in God be absurd when so many people have been saved by this belief? Some people see their faith as very special to them. The doctrine of Christ, the teachings of Buddha, the Tao of Lao Tsu etc.

These can only do good in this troubled and turbulent world, and though the latter two do not relate to a God, they are just as spiritual. Due respect though, for his views.

If given a choice between Atheism and Religion, I know which I'd choose.

Gordon Newton, Eyres Monsell

POINTER FOR THOSE WHO QUESTION

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Pointer for those who question

Don Tallis, in his letter to Mailbox (August 15), stated that "essentials to life would of course exist without any divine assistance".

This is clearly false, as without God nothing could be created or exist at all.

However, he asks a pertinent question when he wonders why an "all-seeing and benevolent God allows tragic events such as natural disasters or the killing of innocent children".

It is a problem which is the most frequent cause of doubt for those who believe in God but probably regard him as indifferent.

It would be silly to pretend that anyone has a complete answer to this problem. But the Christian Church does have some pointers.

First, the human race is a fallen race and the effects will be felt until the end of time, both in the human person who is, despite his intrinsic goodness, inclined to sin.

Further, human beings have a large degree of free will in choosing good or evil.

Jesus Christ, by his suffering and death on the cross, atoned for the sins of mankind and repaired the rift with God.

Jesus said that anyone who "wants to be my disciple must take up his cross and follow me".

Suffering is intrinsically bad and is to be fought by normal means, yet acceptance of it can lead to great holiness.

It is part of the human condition until the last day; but it does not, and cannot, contradict the truth that God, out of love for the human race, sent his Son to suffer and die on the cross for our redemption.

Yes, God does work in mysterious ways. It is not just a platitude.

Mark W Jacques OP, Quorn

NO DOUBTS ABOUT AN HISTORICAL JESUS

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

No doubts about an historical Jesus

It was in the 18th century that theologians in the European universities began analysing the four canonical gospels, partly in order to answer the question, "What did Jesus actually do and say?"

It led to redaction criticism; more simply, a study of the particular editorial intentions of the writers.

This in turn meant categorising the literature into various forms; for instance teachings, healing stories, parables, sayings and so on.

However, the most significant aspect was considered to be the kerygma – a Greek word referring to aspects that proclaimed Jesus as Lord.

In effect this was a sort of basic creed of the early church which is referring to Jesus both as messiah and risen Lord.

Since Mark's gospel was considered to be the first and generally thought to be written some 30 years after Jesus's death, then the period between the two events, known as the early church, had a particular fascination.

It was seen to be a dynamic period in which believers were baptised into the life, death and resurrection of their Lord and then partook of the eucharist, the celebration of the Last Supper.

In all, it was in this community of faith that the gospels were written, large parts coming down initially by way of an oral tradition.

As such it is maintained by scholars that what we have in the gospels is the Jesus of faith of the early community, making it almost impossible to separate this Jesus from the one of history.

However, more significantly regarding recent letters on this issue, I have never read of any serious criticism of the existence of a Jesus in Palestine at the time in question – the Jesus of history – who was teacher, preacher and said by some to be healer, who met death by way of crucifixion.

David Abbott, Stoke Golding

PROOF/PROBABILITY DIVIDE ENDURING

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Proof/probability divide enduring

May I make two points, one in particular and one general about the Christian v atheist argument, which has surely gone on long enough?

Mr Pendragon (July 31) fails to grasp what kind of history was written in classical times – and, indeed, much more recently.

Independent, unbiased historians could not exist before the days of printing and universities with history departments.

Josephus – the only historian who could matter in the context of the Holy Land – and his contemporaries were, like poets of the time, spin doctors, writing what pleased the Roman establishment.

In general, there will always be a division between people who insist on absolute proof, as with the famous square on the hypotenuse, and those of us – including me; I am a Christian – who are content with experience and the balance of probability, not only in religious contexts.

That is one reason why the proposal by the House of Lords to make all A-level courses include maths will fail to produce more engineers, though it will produce worse historians, worse linguists and so on, if it makes any difference at all.

What we need are not more round pegs but more square holes, to accommodate the human race in all its variety.

Veronica M Brown, Wigston

STUDY REVELATION

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Study revelation

In his letter on July 31, "Offensive, but I'd go further", F O Hipwell cannot disprove God's existence.

The key may now be to focus on the life of Christ, and what evidence there is for his Resurrection, bearing in mind that he appeared to more than 500 people after his Resurrection.

If the Resurrection is true, then surely Jesus is God. What does it take for mankind to believe?

Nigel Mutimer, Coalville

LOOK FOR FAITH AND YOU FIND IT

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Look for faith and you find it

In reply to Chris Lymn's letter ("Religions face an inevitable demise", Mailbox, July 27) I would like to say that Chris's point about our consciousness, and our bodily needs – no doubt from a counsellor's training course – is interesting but hardly conclusive. Has he considered the evidence available for faith in God?

I cannot speak for other faiths or religions, but were Chris to examine carefully the evidence for the case for Christ, I believe Chris would find more than enough to produce belief in Christ and, therefore, God.

If Chris can find no real evidence of this then that will be a surprise to many folk – including me – as the evidence is there, should you examine it with an open mind.

Two books will be especially helpful here for anyone interested, the first by Frank Morison titled Who Moved The Stone.

The second is The Day Death Died by Michael Green, written around 1990.

Christopher Sedman, Sileby