DISPUTE OVER RECTORSHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 May 1937, Page 7

DISPUTE OVER RECTORSHIP

“BEST STATED MAN” LONDON, March 8. Criticism of a clergyman whom it was proposed to appoint to a vacant rectorship are declared to be unfounded by the Bishop of Gloucester, Dr. A. C. Headlam, in an announcement confirming the appointment. The patrons of the living of St. Matthew’s, Cheltenham, decided to present the living to the Rev. Robert Bren, Vicar of Leyton, but the Parochial Church Council objected to the appointment and a body of advisors was appointed under the Benefices Measure. At the inquiry which resulted the advisors, while finding no reasons for the objection of the Parochial Church Council, advised that the Council should be supported, and it remained with the Bishop to decide whether he would ■ " ..'ahold his approval and pr,,......1 >u institution. Announcing his decision Dr. Headlam says: “Before 1 was aware of any opposition to the appointment of the Rev. Robert Bren 1 personally made his acquaintance. 1 have heard the objections urged by the Parochial Church Council, and I have investigated with great care Mr. Bren’s record. I must say quite definitely that 1 have found no reason to justify me in refusing to institute. “It was officially reported to me that a person of importance had stated that Mr. Bron had emptied every church of which he had been incumbent and that ho was the host hated num in his parish. Since then 1 have made further investigations which confirmed my previous evidence. “After reviewing all tbe circumstances 1 am prepared to institute Mr. Bren, but 1 think that he himself should consider very carefully whether he would care to become an incumbent oi a parish in which persons, whoever they may be, have treated him in the way he has been I rented."

The Rev. Robert Bron said yesterday that he had not yet decided whether or not to accept the living..