From Canon Paul Denyer
Sir, - At least nine million of us - counting those who watched
on the night and those who recorded it - have been riveted over the
past eight weeks by ITV's Broadchurch. We might take
encouragement from the depiction of the C of E.
The Vicar, although briefly a suspect - and an unmarried
recovering alcoholic to boot - emerged not only as not the killer,
but as a focus of hope in the traumatised Dorset community.
The closing words from the pulpit commending forgiveness,
despite his own doubts, were powerful television. The drama dealt
with sensitivity and a lack of knee-jerk reaction with child abuse
and the lust for revenge, and ended on a note of hope and
optimism.
If you're looking for faith in the darkest times and the
rehabilitating of the parish church, Broadchurch was an
excellent exemplar.
PAUL DENYER
21 Westfield Close
Hanham
Bristol BS15 3SB
