It is encouraging to see so much energy generated in The Tablet over Francis’ latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, and its relevance to the ministries and gifts of men and women. Much has been made of the non-inclusive title, and while I would have loved to see evidence of the Franciscan balance, including Francis and Clare, in the title, this must not detract from much that is good about equality and dignity in the document.

The Catholic Church has a choice in its response to ministry post-lockdown. Michael Knowles (Letters, 3 October) is right. There has been enough talk about the inclusion of women. Parishes are desperate for the gifts of women, as the pandemic has highlighted the risks for older priests and deacons ministering alone. We need “deeds not words” as Emmeline Pankhurst said just over one hundred years ago.