THE letter about the Church's affairs by Richard Grant (Echo Letters August 1) makes one wonder if there is any subject under the sun, that this man does not have an opinion on.

Why would anyone, except the State and the Treasury, want to know the value of land and buildings belonging to the Church of England?

The Archbishop does not want to use the Church funds to compete with the greedy banks, he simply would like to consider allowing the Credit Unions to utilise the Churches and halls, where needed, in remote and badly served areas.

He is otherwise expressing his concerns about the trapping of unfortunate borrowers in a circle of recurring debt.

What is this desire for information based on? Does he want the Church to cede all its assets to the state and then allow the state to take on the responsibility for supporting the salaries of the clergy and other expenses?

The Royal family did this and now Mr Grant and his friends claim that the family live off the state.

JACK HOWARD, Southampton.