Concerning the editorial and with regard to the Bishop Vest/Fr. Toon issue [TLC, April 13], it is not necessary that a priest get a physical and psychiatric examination as part of the documentation required for a letter dimissory from one diocese to another - in this case, from Quincy to Southern Virginia. Bishop Vest could not refuse acceptance of the letter on those grounds. And in general there could be plenty of discussion about how much veto power a bishop should have concerning the calling of rectors.

But Title III, canon 12, requires such examinations for canonically enrolling and employing priests from other branches of the Anglican Communion. Fr. Toon served in the Church of England until 1991, at which presumed time via this canon he became canonically resident in the Diocese of Quincy.

If Fr. Toon was not physically and psychiatrically examined, then it could be argued that there was a faulty letter dimissory to the Diocese of Quincy and therefore Quincy could not issue a valid letter to Southern Virginia. Bishop Vest could, in theory however, now receive a letter dimissory from the Church of England, provided all the requirements of Title III, canon 12 are complied with, and as though the Quincy interim had not occurred, or else he could ask for documentation that the canon 12 requirements now belatedly are being completed by Quincy.

(The Rev. Canon) Michael T. Malone Diocese of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.