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With reference to the suggestion that Church-founded universities and colleges represent a threat to free speech ("Ethos may be a foe to freedom", March 16), Dennis Hayes was unable to provide any "concrete examples" of anyone being constrained in the way he suggests. Why? Because there is none. Indeed, the article merely serves to demonstrate the fallacy of the argument.

Our ethos statement and the academic freedom clause voluntarily enshrined in our constitution are part of the means by which we demonstrate our commitment to the explicit values of the university. It is surely a cause for concern if those who claim the high ground of tolerance can advance their case only by demonstrating intolerance of the most fundamental kind.

Bishop Stephen Venner
Pro chancellor

Michael Wright
Vice-chancellor

Canterbury Christ Church University.