I WAS delighted to see that the Rev Andrew Frater and Bishop Spong had stirred up your readership to such an extent that an exploration of the Easter Gospel took such a predominant place in your Letters Pages (June 5) displacing politics, the NHS and even the death throes of the beautiful game.

The resurrection defies language but possibly not science, time (or eternity) will tell.

Because of the difficulties in pinning it down, there are bound to be different ways of expressing what actually happened. None of us as there; we are dependent on the witness of the Gospels. Although I believe in the resurrection of the body, I have to acknowledge that whilst the resurrected body of Jesus was similar to the body which was crucified, it was clearly different. The risen Christ appeared and disappeared, he walked through locked doors and ate fish.

The best evidence for the resurrection is the existence of the church throughout the past two millennia. This Easter more than two billion people proclaimed their belief in the resurrection with their resounding Easter greeting: "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed."

Confident in this undisputed fact, we have the leisure (and hopefully the grace) to discuss the detail as we are able. For Mr Frater is right about one thing, our discussion will open us up to different ways of thinking and expressing our faith but, more importantly, it will open us up to the mystery of God.

David D. Scott,

The Manse, Preston Road, East Linton, East Lothian.

THE Reverend Andrew Frater is our minister at Cairns Church, Milngavie. He is a loving, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, challenging and inspiring man. He is a fine example of all that a Christian (or any human being) should be.

At Cairns, we are respectful of others' opinions and beliefs. All mankind is on a journey, and at Cairns, under Mr Frater's guidance, we believe in showing tolerance and love to all. At Cairns, all are welcome.

Vincent and Andrea Brogan,

26 Blane Drive, Milngavie.

THE Rev David S Randall's diatribe about the Rev Andrew Frater is unfortunate (Letters, June5). Obviously both clergymen hold varying views on certain Biblical teachings. One is prepared to listen and hopefully become better informed. The other arguably has a less open mind and even suggests that Mr Frater's local presbytery may be lacking in moral fibre if punitive action is not taken.

Interestingly Mr Randall discloses that he is ordained within another church and not the Church of Scotland. It does seem somewhat presumptuous for a non-member of an organisation to suggest procedural action on the part of a church against one of its clergy.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.}

LETTERS today (June 5) highlight the breadth in Biblical literacy and theological thinking that exist within church organisations. However, of some concern must be the desire to quash freedom of speech and thought involved, for some, in the exploration of scriptures. Often this indicates fear within an organisation that its power base is being undermined.

Janet Horner,

20 Ledi Road, Newlands, Glasgow.