NO PRIESTS FOR BRITAIN SIR,—There are two points arising out
of articles in the Spectator relating to clergy, upon which I wish to comment briefly.
1. Canon Mervyn StockWood in his article has given a very fair and clear account of the selection boards for ordination candidates. Yet in spite of all that he has said there is a doubt in my mind about these boards. It is true as he says that after the First World War some unsuitable persons were ordained —but this was only one of many blunders committed in those days by Church and Nation. Looking back further towards the beginning of the century we had an excellent supply of university graduates for the Sacred Ministry; there were no selection boards—an interview with a Bishop and examining chaplain sufficed. Yet these priests built up great congregations and vigorous parochial organisations. Having myself personal know- ledge of those days, and nearly twenty years' experience of the Church Assembly (1927- 1946), I sometimes wonder whether boards, councils, committees and the like are not tending to keep out of the Ministry men of conviction, character and education.
Both these points indicate the danger and difficulty of trying to work the Church on a ' democratic ' basis.—Yours faithfully,
The Deanery, Hadleigh, Suffolk W. 1. BROWN
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