WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT.
[TO THE EDITOR 01 THE "SPECTATOR.".1
SIR,It is gratifying to find that Liberal Church members of Parliament are moving with the view of securing a modification of the Disendowment clauses. Most Church people and many Nonconformists think they are unfair and unjust, having regard to all the circumstances. Undoubtedly the Church is entitled to a share of the ancient endowments, apart from the contributions of the Church in England, in proportion to the number of her adherents and of those Nonconformists who are known to be opposed to the wholesale confiscation of the ancient endowments. In previous letters I ventured to suggest that one-third should be retained. There can be no possible reason for depriving the Church of what remains of the grants made by Parliament in the first quarter of last century, amounting to £5,809 a year. The money was given to the Church absolutely, and every penny could have been spent long ago. The sum of £400 was given for the support of St. Michael's Church in this town in 1812. Why should that money be confiscated P It is being used for the purpose for which it was granted, and ought not to be touched. Parliamentary grants were also made to the Non- conformists. The Nonconformists are divided with regard to Concurrent Endowment. Most of the country ministers, who are in receipt of very small stipends, would welcome a share of the endowments, if given to the denominations unconditionally. An opportunity should be given to the Nonconformists to accept a share of the endowments for religious purposes. In any case, the County Councils should be empowered to make grants to the churches. If the Liberal Church members agree upon a definite course of action there is good reason for supposing that the Government will give a favourable consideration to their proposals.—I am, Sir, 8r-c.,
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