LETTER : The Gospel on Clause IV

From Mr Andy Winter and others

Sir: Your report of Dr Leslie Griffiths' lecture to the Christian Socialist Movement ("Labour to receive Methodist blessing", 18 March) implies that the new Clause IV has been endorsed by Christian socialists.

While some, like Dr Griffiths, may like it, many Christian Socialists continue to believe that common ownership remains a fundamental expression of our faith. As for the Christian Socialist Movement, it retains as one of its seven aims "the common ownership and democratic control of the productive resources of the earth".

It is said that the new Clause IV will make Labour more electable. St Matthew asks: "For what has one profited if they shall gain the whole world, and lose their own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Christian Socialists like us are asking a similar question about the Labour Party.

Yours faithfully,

ANDY WINTER,

JANIE THOMAS

HAZEL BARKHAM

WILL SHEAFF

CATH HOLMSTROM

MONA WARREN

Brighton

19 March

The writers are members of the Executive Committee of the Christian Socialist Movement and are writing in their personal capacity.