Pluralism

Pluralism, a word used in the Church to signify the holding by one individual of two or more benefices. It was forbidden by canon law, but permitted by dispensation of Pope or bishops. Many Councils and English Acts of Parliament have condemned the practice; and by 1 & 2 Vict. and 13 & 14 Vict., while vested interests were protected, it was enacted that no person should hold two benefices which were more than three miles apart, and in any case the annual value of one of them should not exceed £100, and that no two should be held one of which comprised more than 3,000 souls and the other 500. No person holding more than one benefice may hold a third, or any cathedral preferment. Other regulations were added by 18 & 19 Vict.