PROPOSED INCREASE OF THE EPISCOPATE.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 373, 21 May 1861, Page 4

PROPOSED INCREASE OF THE EPISCOPATE.

Lord Palmerston has received a memorial signed by the Duke of Buccleucb, the Duke of Marlborough, tbe Marquis of Westminster, the Earl of Denbigh, the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Roraney, the Earl Nelson, the Earl of Verulam, the Earl of Effiugham, the Earl of Galloway, Lord Eversley, Lord Caltborpe, Lord Redesdale, Lord Leigh, Lord Ebury, Lord J. Manuers, M.P.; Lord R. Cecil, M.P.; Sir J. Patteson, Sir J. TV Coleride, Mr. Adderley, MP.; Mr. Sothem Estcourt, M.P.; Mr. Mowbray, M.P.; Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page Wood, Sir W. Heathcote, M.P ; Sir W. James, Sir W. Farquar, Sir J. R. Glynne, Mr. Hubbard, M.P,.; Mr. Kekewich, M.P.; Mr. J. J. Rogers, M.P.; Mr. P. Watlington, M.P. Mr. Whately, Q.C., Mr. R. Palmer, Q.C., and a large number of other influential laymen, asking his Lordship to adopt measures for an increase of the Episcopate.

The memorialists state that the population of England and Wales has more than doubled itself during the last 50 years, but tha number of bishops has been only increased by one since tbe middle of the 16th century.

In America and the British colonies the episcopacy may be increased according to the needs of the population, and they hold that it would be reasonable and just that a similar benefit should be eojoyed by her Majesty's subjects at home.

The memorialists express their opinion that more frequent personal intercourse than is now practicable between a bishop and tbe clergy and the laity of his diocese would promote unity and efficiency in the labors of those who are endeavoring to advance the moral aud spiritual welfare of the people.

They proceed to direct his Lordship's attention to certain diocese which seem to need subdivision, and in which there are already resources available for the foundation of additional sees.

The diocese of London contain mora than 2,000,000 of souls. That diocese might be divided, and another see might be formed by converting the collegiate church of Westminster into a cathedral church, as it formally was, and by raising the Dean to the dignity of a Bishop.

Another diocese which requires subdivision is that of Exeter; it is the most extensive of any in England and Wales, aud the cathedral city of Exeter is distant about 145 miles from the western extremity of the diocese.

Another similar instance may be found in the diocess of Durham. Its population has increased with unexampled rapidity in the last few years. The income of the Bishop is £8000 a-year, which greatly exceeds the average income of other episcopal sees. Means might thence be derived for the subdivision of that populous diocese, and for tbe erection and endowment of an episcopal see iv the town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The memorialists, having also called attention to tbe dioceses of Rochester, Lincoln, and Gloucester, Lord Palmerston has promised that the attention of the Government shall be directed to the subject.— Times.