While it is courageous of the Bishops of England and Wales to publish the results of the national questionnaire about church teaching on marriage and family life (“Bishops publish criticism ahead of synod”, News from Britain and Ireland, 26 September), the findings should not come as a surprise to anyone. Indeed, I believe they reflect the views of most typical parishes. Even the more traditionally minded Catholic is unlikely to support the present status quo in its entirety.The hierarchy has been sent a very clear message in preparation for the forthcoming synod, and this ought to be the focal point of all its deliberations. The male, celibate, clerical caste has to give up all further attempts to perpetuate its control over the People of God, especially in matters of which t