Copy of my letter to The Archbish. I think it may be worth targetting him and other bishops as they have managed to get away with it and are likely to have a conscience. Also, Bishops have a vote in the House of Lords!

Rowan Williams
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Lambeth Palace
LONDON
SE1 7JU

4th February 2003

Dear Rowan Williams

I read with interest the government's recent announcement that it is to exempt entertainment in churches from its recent Licensing Bill.

"Government announces licence exemption for entertainment in churches

The Government today announced it will amend its Licensing Bill so that places of public worship across the country will not need a licence to put on entertainment performances of any kind.

The announcement follows concerns that the Government's original proposal - to make performance of secular music in places of public worship licensable throughout the country - would threaten the future of church music."

I would like to say that, whilst I am pleased that churches have been made exempt from the bill, I am puzzled by what seems to be the attitude shown by the Church of England in working to make itself exempt from the licensing restrictions without apparently seeking to gain exemption for other activities which are similarly affected.

You are probably aware that there are many other perfectly innocent activities which the bill, as it is currently worded, would make licensable – with punishments of up to a £20,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment for doing them without a license. Things which are newly covered by the bill would include outside activities as well as others not previously included such as:

 Morris Dancing
 Carol Singing
 Playing a piano in a pub

Other activities where the legality was ambiguous will also be made unambiguously illegal, with greatly increased penalties. These include:

 Singarounds in a pub
 Mummers plays
 Dancing in pubs

Obviously, this list is by no means exhaustive.

As far as I am aware, the exemption for churches was gained by the fact that one or more Anglican bishops have the ear of the minister and that he was sympathetic to their suggestions. Whilst I applaud the fact that something has been done to lessen the effect of this bill, I am sure that you will be aware that this lobbying activity will lay the Church open to possible accusations that it is only really interested in acting on its own behalf rather than trying to seek justice for all.

In the cause of natural justice, could I urge you most strongly to support the other groups of people who will be unjustly penalised by this bill. If it is not possible to gain the ear of the minister in this matter, could you at least urge your bishops to support the amendment to be moved on report by Lord Beaumont of Whitley, which at least alleviates most of the worst injustices.

Please accept my thanks for your kind attention in this matter.

Yours sincerely
Ian Chandler

:-)