I WAS saddened by the letter from Eddie Holden deriding the work of the Healing Rooms in Ely, and by implication, the entire concept of the Christian healing ministry. Perhaps my own experience will help to redress the balance. In 1998, I was diagnosed wi

I WAS saddened by the letter from Eddie Holden deriding the work of the Healing Rooms in Ely, and by implication, the entire concept of the Christian healing ministry.

Perhaps my own experience will help to redress the balance. In 1998, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Following surgery, my consultant oncologist recommended that I should undergo chemotherapy. Before the procedure, I was anointed and received the laying on of hands.

The purpose, as far as I was concerned, was to offer my treatment to God and to seek his blessing it. Thus, in my view, the Christian healing ministry is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but to complement it.

It is a matter of record, following regular check-ups, that I am now completely well.

Sceptics are entitled to their own opinion as to why I am completely well, but in return I only ask for the leeway to thank God for my health, however it came about.

I wish that Mr Holden could understand that the healing ministry, far from being dependent on myths and hand-me-down stories functions at the cross-over point between the transcendent and the physical reality.

STEPHEN FRANKLIN

Pilgrims Way

Ely