AGAINST CHURCHMANSHIP
SIR,—Mr. Rodger has written an article which will win sympathy for its breadth of vision, but in calling, by implication, for the aboli- tion of parties within the Church, he is asking for the impossible, or at any rate the undesir- able. He himself, I know, would be the first to recognise the contribution which each has made and is making to the variegated richness of the Anglican tradition. What I suspect he really wants is an overwhelming loyalty first to Mother Church, and second—a long way behind—to party. What 1 wish he had
stressed more firmly, especially in a national publication, is the existing overall unity of our Church, despite of and partly because of its variety and comprehension; a unity which is growing, especially among the young.
The Principal of Tyndale Hall legitimately pursues a party line, but one hopes he also adequately stresses the overall unity, even in matters of doctrine. The training of an ordinand is preparation for the Ministry of the Anglican Church, and not only for leader- ship of a particular party within her fold. That is the measure of the task of any Theological College.
The late Dr. Garbett used often to speak of the Church as both Catholic and Reformed —with all shades in between and purple patches at both ends. So it has been for 400 years, and still we are one Church. We can rejoice at this unity in diversity. And provided that we have the charity to laugh at ourselves as well as at others of a different hue, and the loyalty which prevents mutual sniping in public, then Mr. Rodger may be happier and Mr. Wright may entertain more bishops unawares I--Yours faithfully, .
ROY HERBERT
Bishop's Chaplain for Youth. 10 Argyll Road, Gloucester
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