The Rt Revd Dr David Tustin writes: PLEASE note one correction and one addition to your obituary honouring the valuable ecumenical contribution of Bishop Johannes Hempel (Gazette, 5 June).
First, it was Bishop John Gibbs of Coventry, not I, who worked with Bishop Hempel on the Anglican-Lutheran European Commission (ALERC) from 1980 to 1982. Second, since the Conversations in 1987-88 which led to the Meissen Report involved delegates from both parts of Germany prior to reunification, it is important to add that the late Bishop Karlheinz Stoll of Schleswig also co-chaired them in addition to Bishop Hempel and myself.
Dr John Twidell writes:
THE obituary of Sir John Houghton by Andy Atkins (Gazette, 8 May) rightly refers to his pioneering and internationally recognised activities as a Christian in meteorology, climate-change mitigation, and environmental appreciation. There are also many other activities to be grateful for, including his concern for overseas students, which is of continuing benefit.
In 1968, he chaired a fund-raising campaign for a residential centre in Oxford which led to the purchase of St Michael’s House from the Church Society to become the North Oxford Overseas Centre (NOOC). Sir John continued as chair of the management committee for several years as it became successfully established, providing accommodation for up to 70 overseas students and their families. It is recalled how he himself provided emergency maintenance for the ailing boiler at weekends, driving in from his home in Kidlington.
NOOC continues today as a self-funded charitable body with two neighbouring buildings under the care of a Warden and associates. To date, about 2000 overseas students and family members have been helped by Sir John’s pioneering guidance.
Canon John Young adds: I had the privilege of spending a pleasurable summer’s day with Sir John Houghton in London in 2007. He had kindly agreed to make a CD Conversation for York Courses, Climate Change and Christian Faith. As we spoke for over an hour in the recording studio, his deep knowledge and his passion, for both the environment and the Christian faith, became evident. It was inspiring to spend time in the presence of an outstanding thinker, who made a massive contribution to climate science and who raised awareness of, and support for, the need for radical and concerted change.
As a leading scientist and a Christian, he had a particularly important influence in bringing many thoughtful American Christians on side, at a time when, for many of them, the jury was still out on global warming.
Ralph E. Ireland adds: Your excellent obituary of Sir John Houghton was marred by one small — but significant — error. It says, “John was born . . . to devout Baptist parents.” His parents were, in fact, Strict Baptists — “Strict and Particular” to be precise. I knew his father very well, and his mother somewhat. To his father, that small error would have been a significant one, reflecting so much of what he did during his life — apart from being a history teacher. See his My Life and Books: The reminiscences of S. M. Houghton (1988) for further details.
