The Victoria University, which comprises the Owens College, Manchester, University
College, Liverpool, and the Yorkshire College, Leeds, has taken the first step towards a very important development of its work. At a meeting of its Court, held last week, it was resolved :—" (a) That it is desirable that degrees or other distinctions in theology should be instituted as soon as practicable. (b) That it be referred to the Council (after consulting with the Board of Studies) to report as to the examinations and courses of study which should be required for such degrees or other distinctions." Ten years ago resolutions to the same effect were brought forward and rejected by a narrow majority, but as Principal Hopkinson, of Owens, who moved them on the present occasion, observed, public opinion in the interval has advanced in the direction of recognising theological degrees. The importance of having a learned ministry, in the Church of England and in the Nonconformist Churches, is increasingly recognised; and as was well asked by Dr. Ward, "what reason is there that a University like Victoria, which is in the most immediate con- tact with great centres of national life, should refuse to con- tribute its share to the required supply P" The proposed change is strongly supported by educational authorities like Sir Henry Roscoe and Sir Richard Jebb, by the Bishops of Manchester and Chester, and by Nonconformist leaders like Dr. McLaren and Dr. Mackennal. We understand, and to a considerable extent sympathise with, the anxiety of Principal Bodington and others that there should not be too much delegation of the teaching required by candidates for theological degrees to theological Colleges outside the University. But the co- operation of such institutions is essential, and it would have been a serious error to delay further the practical commence- ment of arrangements for an academic development, without which University life must remain truncated, and University duties but partially fulfilled.
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