There have been suggestions that the results of the consultation exercise on marriage and family (News from Britain and Ireland, 8 February) may not be in line with the English bishops’ expectation in the area of contraception and family planning and that the final report to Rome may be whitewashed. It seems to me very likely that the consultation exercise will show a Church that is highly critical of its clerical leaders. I am appalled at the prospect of yet more church secrecy and of an