The Stiffkey Case No one who read the evidence can
have been surprised at Mr. Chancellor North's findings adverse to the Rector of Stiff key, in the notorious case that has occupied the Norwich Consistory Court for twenty-six days. The Rev. H. F. Davidson was found guilty on five of the charges brought against him. It remains for the Bishop to consider his Chancellor's findings and the sentences which the Chancellor would recommend. The case has strengthened the mere layman's disrespect for the Clergy Discipline Act of 1892, under which proceedings were taken at long last. It is evident that the Bishops are most reluctant to employ their powers under the Act, in view of the scandal involved and the heavy costs entailed. But if the Bishops do not take action, the decent Church people in an offender's parish have to suffer. The Church Assembly might well consider and propound some simpler method of getting rid of such clergy—there are few of them—as have mistaken their vocation.
Previous page
