Since the Church of England managed, via the bishops, to persuade Kim Howells to put in this exemption for them, wouldn't it be sensible to work on them now. They've obviously got a persuasive voice.

I'm about to write to The Archbishop of Canterbury, the basis of my letter being essentially the same as my letter to the Church of England Newspaper here. I'll include a list of other activities (like Street Corner Carol Singing and Morris Dancing) not previously caught by legislation and others which were possibly caught, the definition of what constitutes a "performance" in the present legislation not having been tested in the courts (these include Mummers Plays, Music Sessions and Dancing in pubs). I'll also point out that even if they were caught by previous legislation, none of these activities were previously illegal (even if caught, it wasn't a legal matter but a civil licensing issue between pubs and local authorities) and that they will be under the new act (it will now be a criminal offence to perform without a license).

Her's the main burden, though:

In the cause of natural justice, I am very surprised that the church has not shown more solidarity with other groups, also affected. Has the church given up on justice, or is it simply seeking special treatment for itself these days?

:-(