It's not particularly controversial to say that it is possible that a man living in the Roman empire could have made use of the excellent travel network to see the Roman world and could have arrived at its fringe. Yet it is almost certain that it is a pious invention in the same league as the Walsingham transportation of the place of the Nativity. I doubt very much whether anyone takes it seriously, but even a myth acknowledged to be so can help reinforce a sense of identity that this is a nation with a rich Christian heritage and especially with its message to tranform the country into a better place.

Jon Underwood, Edinburgh, UK

I'd be sorry to lose such a wonderful tune because the words are 200 years out of their time. There are other Christian lyrics that fit. As to giving "glory to God", most modern "hymns" give all the glory to the singer - count the number of times "I" and "me" appear in the words.

Mike, Milton Keynes,

I gather then that the singing of those wholesome tunes Flower of Scotland, the fields of Athenry and bring me my saucepan back or whatever the Welsh one is will be next on the banned list and not be sung at next years six nations tournament. Forget about the " to the glory to god" nonsense, patriotism is not the same as nationalism or xenophobia. Having had "Englishness" legislated out of existance by the Mc Mafia I'm off to do some morris dancing and chase a cheese down a hill, whilst wearing a high viz jacket and body armour obviously.

Paul Kelly, Brighton, England

How philistine of the Dean to ban one of the greatest short pieces of music in English culture from his churches. Of course "Jerusalem" is not a Christian hymn, nor is it nationalistic just because it alludes to Christ and mentions England. Is it zionist because it mentions Jerusalem? Don't be crass.

It's the greatest hymn in the English language, but it belongs to secularists, humanists, liberals, republicans and democrats. Hands off, Christians! Use it in your churches when you tire of blandness and wierdness (Jesus wanting me as a sunbeam and abhorring not the virgin's womb), but DON'T claim it for your own. It is from a higher tradition than yours.

Wilf, London,

What with Sharia law and now the omission of Jerusalem in church. It all smacks of hypocrisy . The church extolling the virtues of christianity through tolerance , they then turn on their own and ban this wonderful hymn . Sometimes if you have nothing good to say , say nothing at all .
This is obviously just a stunt by Colin Slee , attracting attention to himself , he appears to have missed his vocation and instead , should be filling the goosip columns in the red tops .

Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, Englands green and pleasant

I must say I was surprised to hear the announcement on the BBC News and disgusted at the lack of comprehension of the text which really describes in the first verse the lack of godlessness during the Industrial Revolution through the greed of the mill owners and the appalling living conditions of the workers, which is confronted by the second verse where we are exhorted to bring God through Christ back into the lives of everyone by fighting the materialism of the Industrial system.
When I told my choir of the ban they were also appalled, one lady said that when she was young this hymn, a hymn to Christianity if ever there was one, was sung by her and her family every Sunday evening. My choir by the way is Dutch and they live in Utrecht. It seems to me that the C of E whilst trying to increase congregations through more lowest common denominator music and texts of very dubious merit, mostly sickly sentimental and of poor English are really putting the final nail in it's own coffin.

Brian Lamb, Zeist, The Netherlands

Readers from further afield should be aware that the Diocese of Southwark has long been notorious in orthodox Christian circles, though there are still many orthodox priests & people endeavouring to keep the faith there.

Dave, Wrexham,

I can't see why 'Jerusalem' should be forbidden if the congregation want to sing it. Surely there are more important thinks for the dean to concern himself with, than banning a beautiful and moving hymn.
Apparently the dean believes 'Jerusalem' is 'not to the glory of God'. i think it goes far more against the glory of God to forbid a hymn which has given happiness and hope to many people (particularly older people).

Nicole, London,

Keep in mind the first thirty odd years of Jesus' life are something of a closed book. The great mystery. The Bible tell us his step-father Joseph was carpenter, although builder might be more accurate. Hard to believe JC spent his entire adult life engaged in the construction industry. Who's to say what he did and where he went. Although, "And did those feet in ancient times ... " does seem to push the envelope. And what about his four half-brothers and two half-sisters? What role did they play, if any? Seemed to be a close-knit family. Did Jesus take off for a decade or more to "find himself"?

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

The hymns awesome, stuff the bishop. Its one of the few rare songs I enjoy singing on those excessively rare occaisions I go to church. In fact you have just reminded me the reason why I dont bother.

Charlie Thomson, singapore, singapore

So the PC Zealots have found something else with which to dowse the fire of English customs and Christianity!, I think he is a brave man to bring on the wrath of our WI s all over Britain, they do still open their meetings with this wonderful piece' Jerusalem' as they have done for years, My husband and I give talks to many WI groups and it is always with a feeling of pride that we stand with them as they open their own 'ceremonies' with this traditional hymn, Long may it continue and long may the WI make sure it continues, I always felt it would be the women of Britain who would make the final stand against these minority PC morons who are intent on destroying all that is good about the country many of them fled to when seeking succour. To the WI i SAY ....go get em girls!

Molly Bennett, Southampton, England

Ironically, this song is also banned from being sung at civil marriage ceremonies for being a hymn! It's unfortunate that this inspirational ballad is may well be the only song that cannot be played at either civil or religious ceremonies.

John Waldner, Reading,

Colin Slee are you sure you are a Christian and not a Muslim in disguise?

Jim Gash, Sleaford, Lincolnshire Eengland

I came to understand the context of Blake's words some years ago when a work colleague reacted to hearing it on the car radio.
As a practising Catholic he poured out his hatred ( and I use the word advisedly ) of the hymn that he thougt demeaned his faith.
Within moments he was shouting " paki " at a dark skinned motorist that crossed our path!
As an atheist I shall continue to sing this song with gusto and leave closer examination to those better qualified to comment on devotion.

robert everitt, wolverhampton,

Cobblers to the Bishop !!!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

Another fawning apologist is denying things near and dear to the quintessential English heart ... those of us who remember a prouder self-respecting Great Britain. Ride on Reverendd Colin Slee, ride on to Sleepy Hollow, where the Headless Horseman awaits you!

Julian Begg, Lenham Maidstone, UK Kent

Nationalism is not the problem it's protectionism that causes strife.

Bob, Faversham, UK

I was interested to read about Bishop Reid from Brentwood standing up for his religion stating that 'it is the Christian way' to be able to unfavour gays, just like prostitutes and unmarried couples; it turns out that he has been having an affair for 10 months with a lady from the choir!!!

Sophie, chelmsford, essex

I think the Dean has been nipping at the sacramental wine a bit too much. What utter nonsense. As a Director of Music in an Episcopal Church in the USA, we have sung "Jerusalem" on numerous ocassions. Sometimes we change the last text to "in this our green and pleasant land." Sometimes when we have English guests, we sing it as written. Thank God I don't work for the Dean.

John F. McIlray, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

I have to say that this "hymn" has bothered me for some time (not least because I am Scottish) and that I can fully understand why it is felt that it has no place in Christian worship.

With regard to "the dark satanic mills", was this not a reference to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, rather than any industrial connotation?

Alan Grant, EDINBURGH, Scotalnd

Colin Slee is right to say this song is not "to the glory of god", but wrong to describe it as 'nationalistic'.
Blake was never a craven confirmist, and it is something of a relief if the C of E are finally letting go of a glorious song which was never really 'theirs' in the first place.
Now we can all sing it with pride again.

Stuart H., Ramsey, Isle of Man,