The Reverend Nicholas Henderson is said to be or was the Chairman of Modern Church people's Union. The Liberalism of the MCU is well known and although often vigorously contested in debates fall within the broad limits of theological diversity of the Church of England. The appointment of a leading MCU member as bishop of an English diocese would be controversial and possibly opposed in some parishes.

I have just written to Nicholas that as the Archbishop who will be performing the consecration I will need, as for any candidate assurance on three points:

1. That the Bishop Elect accepts the controlling Authority of Holy Scriptures i.e. that it is the Authority, not just an 'authority' among others.

2. That the Bishop Elect accepts and will preach and teach wholesome on doctrine which consonant with the Holy Scriptures, and in particular with regard to marriage and family life, Resolution 1:10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference.

3. That the Bishop Elect fashions his own life and of his household according to the doctrine of Christ. (This is contained in the ordination charge).

Because of the complexity of the matter I am postponing the Court of Confirmation which was scheduled on the 3rd September and the Consecration which was scheduled on 9th October 2005. This will help to avoid further misunderstandings and litigations in the Province.

I think you have already received the correspondence that I have sent to Nicholas Henderson and to his Bishop in London.

Please continue praying for your Archbishop and the Diocese of Lake Malawi.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Bernard Amos Malango
ARCHBISHOP & PRIMATE