MY WIFE and I are outraged by Justin Welby’s abandonment of the role of vice-patron of the RSPCA.

Former Archbishops of Canterbury have courageously supported this magnificent organisation which has done so much to fight cruelty to defenceless animals which is sadly prevalent throughout the world.

We are all descendants of lowly beasts. Thus we cannot separate ourselves from nature and all the other creatures who inhabit the earth. We cannot limit our compassion to our own species if Christianity is to remain relevant today.

Dean Inge (1860-1954) eminent English prelate and writer truly wrote: “We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.”

Graham Butler, Banbury Road, Bicester