18 NOVEMBER 1911, Page 33

THE CHURCHMEN'S UNION.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In view of the great importance of the publication of Mr.. J. M. Thompson's book on " Miracles " and of the action of the Bishop of Winchester, I hope that I have only to ask you to notice the enclosed resolution passed by the Council of the Churchmen's Union to secure the insertion thereof in the next issue of your paper.

The resolution is as follows:— The Council of the Churchmen's Union wish to express their deep regret at the action of the Bishop of Winchester in with- drawing the licence of the Rev. J. M. Thompson as Dean of. Divinity in Magdalen College. Without expressing. either agreement or disagreement with the particular opinions of Mr. Thompson, they feel that any attempt to exclude a clergyman from the exercise of the Christian ministry for having expressed such views in a theological work deals a grievous blow to the cause of theological liberty in the Church of England and therefore to the best interests of religion in this country.

" Signed on behalf of the Council,

" C. T. DYNE ACLAND, President.

"T. L. PAPILLON,. Chairman.

"W. MANN/NG, Secretary."

—I am, Sir, Sc., W. BIASSING. The Rectory, Chipping, Barnet, „Rests.