SIR,—You have answered Mr. David Astor's letter on the main
issue. Will you allow me to ask a sub- sidiary question which arises from his letter? It con- cerns his apparent distinguishing between 'priests' and 'clergymen.' What exactly is the difference?
He may, of course, merely be using the words as synonyms; but he may equally be falling into the common error of using 'priests' for Roman Catholic clergymen and 'clergymen' for other kinds of ministers.
There are two principal groups of priests in England, namely, Catholic priests, i.e., those ordained in the Church of England, and Roman Catholic priests. It is in no sense discourteous, sir, to say that the ministers of the majority of other Christian bodies are not priests (they do not claim to be), and they are not clergymen. They do not suffer the civil disabilities of the clergy. For instance, they can, and sometimes do, sit in the House of Commons, from which the clergy are debarred.
It may seem a small matter, sir, but if in public writing we arc to make any distinction it may as well be made on the right line of demarcation.—yours
faithfully, H. R. WILSON Hooton Pagnell Vicarage, Doncaster
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