ELECTING A BISHOP.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18368, 29 April 1925, Page 8

ELECTING A BISHOP.

THE DEAN EXPLAINS THE PROCEDURE. TO THI ZDITOS OP "*HE TEBSS." Sir.—ln view of the paragraph which appeared in your issue of to-day, with regard to the approaching election of a Bishop, may I ,bo permitted to explain, for the benefit of the many who arc interested, how the matter stands. A special Synod will be called to elect a Bishop. The date 'of meeting is fixed for Tuesday, June 9th. On the Monday evening there will be a service of intercession in the Cathedral, in which we hope as many as possible of our people will join. Nominations will be made in Synod, according to the Standing Orders, and the decision made by ballot. No official steps can be taken or nominations made until Svnod meets.

As to the Committee of Enquiry referred to in your paragraph, as misconception might possibly arise, may I explain that this committee is a purely informal group of clergy and laityselected at an equally informal meeting of members of Synod last October, simply to explore tho field, and obtain information as to the career and qualification of any leading 'clergymen here or elsewhere whose names are likely to be brought forward. This was done by way of preparation in order that members of Synod should not be voting in the dark. But the committee makes no suggestion of its own, far less does it attempt to select. It will merely be ready with information about persons whose nomination is probable. No clergyman has been invited, asked, sounded, or written to, with a view to his being nominated. This would be highly improper. There will be no "candidates" for the office, and the Committee of Enquiry does not itself know what names will-be brought forward.

When a result is arrived at by ballot, formal invitation will be sent to the clergyman selected, and this should be the first he hears of it. Previous consent is never asked.

It is greatly to be hoped that Church people, and. especially members of Synod, will feel the necessity and propriety of a vriso silence on the whole matter until Synod meets; and will refrain from pressing tho claims of any possible nominee until Synod can deliberate fairly on all the names which will be brought before it.—Yoiirs, etc., d W. CABRINGTON. Commissary for the Diocese, April 28th, 1925.