On February 27, 2003, a remarkable dawn of new hope came to the ailing Church of England, with the enthronement of Dr Rowan Williams as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Here at long last is a leader of great strength and courage who, in his own words, has vowed to confront the hypocrisy, pomposity, corruption and abuse within the Church of England.

One marvels that a man of such foresight and understanding ever got through the panel of selectors. Could it be that they too, have realised that unless there is great radical change, the Church of England in its present form will cease to exist in 50 years time.

In light of such positive and new direction, people must not be afraid to speak out and to challenge. It is the only way in which this desperately needed 'wind of change' will become a reality.

Dr Rowan William's two services in Canterbury Cathedral on March 2 were outspoken, confrontational and wonderfully uplifting. He is daring to tackle openly the very heart of all the divisive issues that have long troubled so many thousands of people across the world who have yearned for change and the right to be heard.

Inevitably, there have been murmurs of dissent and disapproval from those people who cannot abide the very thought of change.

Dr Williams' burden of responsibility in the oath he has chosen cannot be over-estimated. However, success begins at the helm, and leadership of such depth, humility, understanding, tolerance and universal love can yet save the Church of England from extinction.

MARY RATCLIFFE

Croft Road, Old Town