MATHEMATICS AND HOLY ORDERS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18265, 26 December 1924, Page 13

MATHEMATICS AND HOLY ORDERS.

TO THE EDITOS OF "THE TMSS." Sir, —Having read several articles in your paper dealing with the drawbacks of tho matriculation examination, I should like to present a particular sido of the question through your columns. hear from authorities of the Church ft England, that there is an acuto shortage of candidates for tho ministry. It appears, however, that even if a man is willing and, indeed ■ anxious, to take Holy Orders, before liis qualifications aj'e considered he must have) passed matriculation, and to pass that examination it is necessary to pass in mathematics. Now, it is a generally known fact that a man who has a leaning in one direction may 'be almost stupid in another, and it is highly probable that a number of otherwise suitable men arc left, out of th<» Church through their inability to reach matriculation standard in a .subject for which they would not have the slightest use. What is tho reason for the Church's refusal of otherwise suitable men who cannot matriculate? On the t>arfc of the University whv should mathematics he made a compulsory subject. Would it not be possiblo to provide an examination in elementary theology, instead of mathematics for students who intend taking 'Holy ' Orders?—Tonrs. etc., • - . X. December 24th, 1P24.