30 JULY 1948, Page 17

WOMEN IN THE PRIESTHOOD

SIR,—After considering the question for many years the Methodist Con- ference in Bristol decided by a substantial majority against the admission of women to the ministry. The fact that the ministry of the Methodist Church is very largely itinerant no doubt had some bearing on the deci- sion. Many of the trained deaconesses working in connection with the Churches already carry out practically all the duties of a Methodist minister, and a number of the pulpits every Sunday are occupied by women lay preachers. The time must surely come when full recognition will have to be granted to women who can render efficient service in the pulpit and