I WAS interested to read Yorick's jottings upon the Church of England General Synod (July 19).

I am not certain of the exact meaning of the word Synod and I may be wrong, but I think of the General Synod as being like the parliament of the church.

My main reason for writing, though, is to say that although I have not eaten locusts, I enjoyed eating flying ants (termites) and caterpillars when I lived in Africa. Very good these were too. Although I have to say I should not be in a hurry to eat the caterpillars again, the ants were very nice indeed (they taste a bit like popcorn).

I have not been struck down for eating these insects nor do I expect to be.

I wonder if perhaps we need to apply the same sort of reasoning when we consider other texts from Leviticus?

Rev Tony Morgan,

St Hilda's Vicarage,

Tang Hall Lane, York.

...PERHAPS members of the Church of England who take a rigid stance, make life difficult for their colleagues and put ordinary mortals off religion, should gather inspiration from the all-embracing example of the Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York and its delightful minister who was interviewed some time ago in the Evening Press.

Although I remain bewildered by the various choices of religion, I do think faith can be a radiant gift and I have great respect for those who use this gift wisely, humanely and without a fuss.

Margaret Lawson,

Aldborough House,

The Groves, York.

Updated: 11:00 Wednesday, July 23, 2003