What a relief to read Nicholas Henshall’s assertion that “training in apologetics is essential for all Christians” (Parish Practice, 12 July).As a member of the laity, I feel very strongly that the hierarchy has terribly neglected our formation and now that neglect is coming home to roost with many faithful disillusioned that their gifts and talents are neither recognised nor nourished by a patriarchal hegemony. This situation has served to stifle the people of God and denied us the training and tools to challenge secular humanist arguments.At last Nicholas Henshall and others are naming this neglect and offering hope that there will be opportunities for the laity to receive the formation we need to have the courage to stand up and be counted.Elizabeth Fleetwood , Chippi