I HAVE read Chapter Eight in the book of John on the advice of the Rev Steven Woodcock, in last week’s Christian Comment.

I learned that Mosaic Law, at that time, punished a wife committing adultery to be stoned to death in a public place. Jesus changed this rule on his visit to the Mount of Olives.

“He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.”

In short, he was prepared to forgive the woman for her transgressions.

Turning to the central element of Rev Woodcock’s comment, the Holy Bible, I was disappointed that he did not choose to include some reference to William Tyndale, the man who was born in this part of Gloucestershire more than 500 years ago.

He was an Oxford graduate, studying Greek, Hebrew and Latin, in a theological environment. He considered his mission in life was to translate the recorded scriptures from those languages into English in order that “even the common ploughboy” could have the opportunity to read them.

Unfortunately, his vocation coincided with King Henry VIII’s desire to divorce his first wife and Tyndale was pursued in England escaping to live in Germany and Belgium where he was martyred.

Twelve months after his death, there was a copy of his English Bible distributed to all of the churches in the land.

One hundred and fifty years ago philanthropists in this area financed the erection of a monument to his memory at North Nibley. A celebration of this event is planned for October 1. Perhaps this opportunity should be taken to improve it now?

John Pycroft

Rodborough