Sir, - The truth of the familiar proverb, "Give a dog a bad name and hang him", was well displayed in the devotional article "Thinking Anew" in your edition of February 10th. To describe the former Bishop of Durham, Dr David Jenkins, as a "renegade" is, to say the least, less than charitable. It is a very unkind and unworthy especially in a devotional article. "S" would turn in his grave. The remark is untrue.
Collins Dictionary defines a "renegade" as a person who deserts his cause or faith for another, as an apostate or a traitor. Dr Jenkins could not by any stretch of the imagination be linked with these definitions.
With reference to the particular quotation about the resurrection in the article, it is taken completely out of context, like his oft-misquoted remark that the resurrection was a rattling of bones. The former Bishop of Durham never denied the resurrection, either implicitly or explicitly. His mode of expression and his efforts to interpret the supreme miracle of the Christian faith for the post-Christian world may not be expressed in traditional fashion. But this is part of our Anglican heritage in recognising the tension that must exist at the heart of religion. Not everyone agreed with him.
Bishop Jenkins was very well accepted in his diocese and beyond by his clergy and laity. He was a most diligent pastor to his priests. He expressed his faith in a very passionate way. He was constantly in demand as a preacher and lecturer.
His confirmation services were packed out on most occasions because many people were eager to hear this luminary of our Anglican Communion. His many books and lectures (which I was privileged to attend) held his audience spellbound. He was very courteous and humorous in the expression of his views. Hardly attributes of a renegade?
Would that GF could be humble like Bishop Jenkins and learn from him about the resurrection. His insulting remarks demand an apology from the author of the article and The Irish times. - Yours, etc.,
Kenneth E Ruddock, Fourtowns Manor, Ahoghill, Co Antrim.