SALES OF ADVOWSONS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14970, 18 May 1914, Page 7

SALES OF ADVOWSONS.

GRAVE SCANDAL ALLEGED

Tlie ''Westminster Gazetto" recently published a series of articles on the traffic in Church livings, nnd Lord Hugh Cecil and other prominent Churchmen have boon busy devising remedies for the evil. Tlie "Westminster Gaaette" said iu'a recent article: — The articles appearing in the "Westminster Gazette"' concerning tho sale of advowsons have stirred tho consciences of many Churchmen, and the efforts of Lord Hugh Cecils committee have been strengthened by tlie practical sympathy that is evidenced. But

even in connexion with such a. grave scandal as tho Sale of Advowsons in tho Church of England, there are many laymen who do not yet realiso tho gravity oi the situation." In order that tho evils of the position may bo appreciated, a rcpiesentative" of the "Ucstminster Gazette" has made enquiries concerning the methods connected with this barter of souls. Here

are three recent advertisements appearing in the daily and weekly Press showing -just bow the approach is made from seller to buyer:—

CLERICAL REGISTRY—For the transfer of Advowsons, Exchange of Benefices, etc. No charge to Incumbents for finding Curates, reliable Sunday Help, etc. —Address.

ADVOWSON for SALE—Nice, country parish, 2. miles from a station, and 20_ from London. Net income nearly £500, and good house. Incumbent aged 16.

ADVOWSON for SALE in charming and coming part of Gloucester; net income £325; no outgoings; oil building in good repair; station M.R.; incumbent OS.

_ No one can complain that the traffic is conducted in an underground manner. It is quite open, and carried on in the daylight. Archbishops, bishops, and archdeadeons are aware of tho modus operandi They know the agents and can tell with accuracy the livings that como into the market in this shameless fashion. Good Churchmen, occupying prominent positions in their parishes, as t.this pointed question: "What woulci bo sa'f if a Nonconformist'deacon offered lor sale the right of presentation to a Free Church ministry?" let year by year every officer of the Church of England when he considers tho iniquity of tho present system of tho rales of advowsons must groan within himself at the commercialism which invades tho Church within its inner sonctuarv.

According to an authority who knows tho tacts, an amount of about £200") would bo required to purchase the right ot presentation in a livino- de-rh»M-t m y?' ' third , «d«rtisoment. ll \ _ of the lnc umhent is given as that of an old man whose lifo cannot under ordinary circumstances be probilged for many years. It is a case ot dead men's shoes. Tho sooner tho present incumbent dies tho better bargain will be effected by tbo purchaser. I-very particular in advertisement has to do with the selling points of tho advowson. Tho living is in a "charming and coming part of Gloucester." I ossible buyers know the "net income" and the financial contingencies. It'« a sound proposition from tho business standpoint. But what of the spiritual interests of the parishioners? What safeguard is provided to ensure the purchaser appointing a faithful clergyman, of average ability as a preacher and a worker who will mako his parochial work the chief concern of his i. _■ Qn . theso an<3 kindred points the advertisement is lamentably weak. These are matters that do not come within the purview of the seller. As long as h 0 ran £ cfc a --. ai . to t j_ e Bishop s scrutiny or to satisfy the legal requirements of the Diocesan Registrar. ho need not trouble about' anything else. Parochial records show that both Bishop and Registrar havo easy consciences on this matter.

The same authority also points out that the maiden aunt, spinster ladies of all ages, and the wealthy wives of clergymen are usually tho readiest purchasers of these rights of presentation. When the in .unbent-dies tbeypresent tho man for whom the purchase was made. Nephews who . would never secure by force of character or native ability the responsibility of a living are pitchforked into onerous positions. Rich wives nominato their husbands, and frequently these are quite unsuitable for clerical work.