THE CHURCH AND NATIONAL SERVICE.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.")
Sre.,—We country clergy are anxious about the organization of National Service. We are very much afraid that a second mistake will be made by the leaders of the Church and the clergy left outside it. We were left outside when the Military Service Order was issued. That, we all feel, was a mistake. If a second mistake is made by the Bishops, the Church of England might close its doors as far as its influence is concerned. We have no voice. Convocation does not represent us. Few Bishops know what we really think. As your paper reaches many thoughtful men in high positions, I write in the hope that we shall be included in the ranks of those called to National Service. By combining parishes and by mutual weekday help numbers of country clergy
can be spared.—I am, Sir, &c., RURAL DEM P.S.—As an explanation : Our schoolmaster was unwell. I offered to help, and was told by the County Council that objections would be raised, and was referred to the Education Committee. By one of them I was informed that I could not help because I was a clergyman of the Church of England.
[To exempt the National Church from a national movement would mean an untold disaster, but we do not for a moment believe that any such step is contemplated. Whatever part the nation takes the National Church must take also.—ED. Spectator.]
Previous page
