THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Dean, Vivienne Faull, should be shown sympathy and not castigated for their response to the bellringers furore.

The silence of the bellringers of York Minster is a very sad situation for the Dean and Chapter, Archbishop and we who live in the city and others living around the world.

When I saw the headlines of the whole team being sacked I did a double-take and wondered what on earth could have caused such a shockwave. It was obvious that there was something beyond the headlines and so it has transpired.

The Archbishop and Dean have found themselves in a very difficult and sensitive position. They are damned if they don’t and damned if they do, as I see it.

Perhaps a member of the Minster team can attend the bellringing sessions and let those great bells ring loud and clear.

Keith Massey, Bishopthorpe, York