MAY I reply to Steve Kenyon’s letter “Women Could Speak” (March 12).

He says I suggest women be silent in the congregation. “No”, that is St Paul’s quote at Corinthians. St Paul’s first letter to Timothy also says: “Let women learn in silence,” and: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man.”

The reason St Paul gives is that Eve persuaded man to disobey God. This is probably why St Paul called the congregation Brothers, so if you are going to blame anyone, take it up with him.

As for “Churches will answer”, Matthew talks of prophesies, expel demons, perform powerful works in the Lord’s name. He says: “Get away you workers of lawlessness.” It seems some accept a lot that the Bible condemns.

Grenville Moor Melbourne Road Bolton