I WOULD like to clarify a few points arising from the Gazette's report last week headlined "Mystery as TV vicar walks out."

The Rev Jamie Allen did ask for a meeting with the Bishop but the suggestion that he and his family might take a long break was the Bishop's. This is not without precedent.

The extra burdens referred to in the Bishop's statement as the background to the break include responding to the immense amount of correspondence generated by the three million viewers of the series, and living with the intense public attention that it has created.

The three-month break is an opportunity for the family to relax and we look forward to seeing them back in the parishes.

THE REV NICHOLAS

PAPADOPULOS

Senior Chaplain to the Bishop

of Salisbury

The Close

Salisbury