THANK heaven for the Church of England. I’ve often thought it was a little bit woolly and ponderous, but now I am admiring these qualities as endearing and precious in a world of religious hatred.

Rather this, than the IS barbaric murderers in Iraq who have killed the Yazidis and Christians by beheading, crucifying and now we hear, burying alive children, women and men. A mob of power-crazed murderers is exactly that.

I think King Henry VIII did us a big favour in creating the Church of England as, over the centuries, it has evolved and modified the power of the church with checks and balances.

The good old C of E is there if you need it; but it doesn’t impose or indoctrinate its views on anyone.

Those serving lead real lives, with all its problems, just like the rest of us; married or partners with children or gay.

I remember the York Hospital chaplain, the Rev Canon (now Bishop) Glyn Webster’s sensitivity to our family as my mother-in-law passed away. Anyone who has met the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, knows he is approachable, down to earth and has a good sense of humour.

Thank the star for a religion that offers, kindness, tolerance, equality and love.

Keith Massey, Acaster Malbis, York.