From the Ven. Peter Coombs
Sir, - Your item concerning the education of bishops (News,
5 September) reminded me that the Bishop of Southwark (1980-91)
was Eton-educated, whereas his immediate successor (1991-98) left
his state school at the age of 14.
As a member of the staff of both Bishops, I was in a position to
note that educational differences mattered little, but that
personality, spirituality, and gifts of leadership counted for
much.
During those two decades, Southwark was a happy, purposeful, and
very well-led diocese. As for those two diocesans, Ronnie Bowlby
and Roy Williamson - vive la différence!
PETER COOMBS
92 Locks Heath Park Road, Locks Heath,
Southampton SO31 6LZ