HL Deb 25 June 1840 vol 55 cc75-6

Their Lordships having resolved themselves into committee on the Episcopal Church (Scotland) Bill,

The Archbishop of Canterbury

said, that the object of the bill was to enable the clergy of the Episcopal Church in Scotland, not to hold benefices, but to officiate in England as curates, under certain restrictions—with the consent of the Bishop. The most rev. Prelate read two letters from Clergymen of the Scotch Episcopal Church, thanking him for his exertions with regard to the bill, and stating, that it would confer a boon on them which would add considerably to their respectability and efficiency. He thought, therefore, that, their Lordships should not object to the bill, as it would be received as such a compliment by the Scotch clergy, while at the same time, it did not authorise them to receive any of the emoluments of the Church. He wished to extend the boon to the clergy of the Episcopal Church of the United States, who also derived their succession from the Episcopal Church of this country, and would introduce a provision for this purpose, which he hoped would be received as a proof of a disposition to meet them as brothers.

Bill went through committee, House resumed. Report to be received.