Speaker John Bercow Vs the Church of England?

Over the weekend a story emerged in the Telegraph and Mail about a fascinating row at Westminster.

According to the reports, John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, has clashed with Church of England authorities over the role of Chaplain to the House of Commons.  This job has historically involved being installed as subdean of Westminster Abbey, and candidates have been effectively selected for the job by the Dean of Westminster Abbey.  This time round, The current Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, selected Rev Andrew Tremlett for the job.

However, reports state that John Bercow objected to the job going to a middle-aged white man and instead appointed Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a Jamacan born vicar, who's parish is in a deprived area of East London.  John Hall refused to accept this, and as a result the job is now effectively being split in two, with Andrew Tremlett being made a Canon at Westminster Abbey, and Rose Hudson-Wilkin retaining her parish responsibilities.

The press reports also indicate that Speaker Bercow has effectively severed links with Westminster Abbey, amid a souring of relations.

From Mouse's perspective there is an awful lot not in the press reports, so he suspects we don't yet have anything like the full story.  For example, why was John Hall so implacably opposed to the idea?  We have also not yet heard from any of the protagonists first hand, but are reliant on 'sources close to ...'.

Nevertheless, there are a couple of obvious points to make.  First it is deeply ironic that a white, middle-aged man would object so strongly to the appointment on the basis that the candidate was white, middle-class and male.  Secondly, John Bercow is not a Christian, so it is strange that he is in a position to be so adamant as to who the best candidate for the job is.

Mouse's initial reaction to this story was that it was a ridiculous piece of political nonsense, involving the selection of a candidate for a job on the basis of race, class and gender on a level which at first sight appears contrary to anti-discrimination law.  But on reflection that just seems to be the Daily Mail angle on the story.  Mouse is prepared to offer a little more credit to everyone involved.

Bercow is Speaker of the House of Commons, and he is selecting the Chaplain to his own institution.  In that regard, he can chose whoever he wants.  It is much more likely that he favoured Rose Hudson-Wilkin because she is dynamic and engaging, rather than because she is black and female.  Mouse is sure that Rose Hudson-Wilkin will be great in the role.

Mouse also thinks it is a good idea to separate the Abbey from the House of Commons.  Mouse would like to see a greater separation of Church and State to help the good old CofE focus on what really matters, and not get caught up in the pomp, circumstance and politics of Westminster when it should be focused on its mission.