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Out of the question: The GOE, and rural deans

Your answers
I recently heard two elderly clergymen discussing the “General Ordination Examination” (GOE). One maintained that the examination was based on the London BD exam, and that it was virtually the equivalent. Is this so? Does the GOE still exist? [Answers, 18 April]

The facts regarding the GOE are a matter of historical record. In the 1960s, before the introduction of the regional training schemes and the closing of many of the residential theological colleges, the examination was tested over about ten papers (certain subjects, for example Hebrew and Latin, were optional), and they were marked at Oxford or Cambridge to the level of a “Pass” degree. The Robbins report on higher education in 1963 confirmed that “The final examination (GOE) is of an equivalent standard to a university degree.”
(Canon) John N. Greaves
Bucknell, Shropshire

How did rural and area deans originate, and what do they do, apart from chairing the deanery synod? Do the Roman Catholics have them? [Answers, 23 May]

I thought it was general knowledge that “They do archdeacons’ work in a voluntary way, without archdeacons’ gaiters and without archdeacons’ pay.”
Frank McManus (Reader Emeritus)
Todmorden

Your questions
Has the English Missal ever been an authorised liturgy of the Church of England? Is it permissible to use it for official services? Can it be used with the Bishop’s consent? Has anyone ever actually used the English Missal for Church of England services?
D. McI.

What is the appropriate response to the words “Thank you for coming,” often spoken by clergy to members of the departing congregation? Is it likely that such words would be spoken at the door of a Hindu temple, a gurdwara, or a mosque?
J. N.

questions@churchtimes.co.uk



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