In Notebook (12 April), it is in my view wisely argued that when it comes to the issue of selling up episcopal residences, it is not just a question of living simply. As you rightly point out, in a diocese the size of Atlanta where the number of Catholics has increased to almost a million today where “the archbishop is a figure of civic importance; his home is there not to luxuriate in but as a gathering place for the diocese”. I can certainly attest to the proof of this in Salford Diocese at least. Wardley Hall, a fine Tudor (formerly moated) mansion where the bishop resides and where I was privileged to live from 1994 to 1999 as private secretary, is frequently the venue for many an official and social gathering for the community of the diocese as well as hosting ecumenical