SIR,—Concerning 'pluralities' and 'unions' I imagine there is little, if
indeed any, need to remind Mr. Beaton that we are not living in an ideal world and are not likely to achieve perfection, individually or corporately, on this planet.
With regard to the episcopate all men are not fitted for the office and not all men seek it.
It is common knowledge that many priests have refused the offer of a bishopric because they felt they could make a much greater and more valuable contribution to the well-being of the Church by the use of their pen than by being engrossed in admini- stration.
Is it too much to expect that bishops should be chosen for their scholarship, their statesmanship and their innate capacity of forming a wise, just and impartial judgement of men and affairs without being swayed by party labels, irrespective of the university which gave them their degree?
It is just possible, however, that Mr. Beaton would feel much happier if, at least, half of our bishops had graduated from London.—Yours faithfully,
D. E. LILLEY
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