A major cricketing event is approaching. A Church of England XI take on a Vatican XI at the end of this month.
The game, kind of cricketing 'Old Firm' without the threat of violence (probably) is being treated very seriously. And they need an umpire whose views on transubstantiation do not bias him in favour of either side.
Mivhael Claughton, an umpire of some 18 years experience, applied to be that man. However, despite his eminent qualifications, he is not being considered.
It turns out his ancestor is the former
They reckon that he will be biased against the Catholic side.
Paul Handley, the editor of the Church Times, said 'we wanted to be careful that the match is completely fairly played.' He admitted that 'it may be the first time ever that 'it's possibly the first time where the umpire has got a faith test to get through.'
Richard Dawkins has been installed at 4/6 favourite to get the gig after Claughton's knockback.
