CHURCH AND REFORM.
[To TEE EDITOR 0/, THE "SFECTAT01.1 Szs,—In reply to your reviewer, who says (Spectator, October 4th) that the House of Lords did not definitely reject the proposition that every parishioner is in law a member of
the Church of England, I may plead the words of Lord Se'borne ("A Defence of the Church," p. 196) :—
"The House of Lords unanimously rejected the proposition [which had been advanced fiom the Bar] that Courts of Justice cannot recognise any distinction between members of the Church of England and Dissenters, and that all members of the parish are to be deemed members of the Church of England?'
I agree with your reviewer as to the advantage which may
arise from the constitution of Church Councils upon a basis of voluntary compact. The Manchester Committee of the Church Reform League has drawn up some suggestions on the subject which are based upon experience. I enclose a copy, and will gladly send others to those of your readers who may care to write for them.—I am, Sir, Scc.,
H. J. BARDSLEY.
St. Paul's Rectory, 443 Stretford Road, Manchester.
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