[This is an open message in reply to the hundreds of messages and letters
that have arrived over the last fortnight.]

First of all, thank you for getting in touch. I appreciate both
the overwhelming number of messages of support, as well as the
tough questions that have arisen over this issue.

Three brief points:
*This issue has united many from very different backgrounds
across the UK and beyond, and has sharpened the debate over the
direction in which our country is heading, and the thinking of
those responsible for guiding us - in the Church, in Government,
and in the media.
*This is not simply a matter of Christian sensitivities: my
resignation was over a high-level editorial decision that
contravened BBC guidelines and UK legislation - which should
concern anyone who loves and values the truth.
*This is very much a matter of freedom of expression, and
particularly the importance of being able to speak out when
necessary - we have the freedom and responsibility (both
individual and corporate) to choose between what is good and what
is not.

Two practical matters:
If you want your voice to be heard by the BBC, please re-send
your email (or write) directly to Mark Thompson, the
Director-General of the BBC. I know - despite what has
happened - that he is very keen to understand the concerns of
audiences.
If you want more up-to-date information, have a look at the news
& links at http://www.tonusperegrinus.co.uk/resignation.html -
and/or let me know if you want to receive an e-newsletter.

Antony Pitts
--------------------------------------------------------------
BBC RADIO 3 (90-93FM in the UK & www.bbc.co.uk/radio3)
*Sunday 6 March 1pm-6pm
ONE EQUAL MUSIC? - the many voices of world music
*Friday 25 March 2pm-4pm
A PASSION 4 RADIO - by Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John