David Cameron and his box of surprises strikes again.  Is the UK about to follow in the footsteps of Bhutan and measure gross national happiness?  The nef are certainly excited, since they've been advocating the measurement of wellbeing rather than an all-out focus on GDP for a long time.  Jules Peck at LFF is also keen on the idea.  Apparently Cameron had earlier gone quiet on an idea of 'General Wellbeing', and the Spectator wonders what's happened to make talking about happiness worthwhile again. 

Of course there have been a few inevitable sniggers over the idea of measuring wellbeing coming so close on the heels of welfare cuts.  On which topic (the IDS cuts, not the sniggering), Kate Green has some insightful comment. 

Over now to my regular C of E slot and we have a gloriously learned piece about the flying bishops from Diarmaid MacCulloch.  Bishop Alan Wilson, fast becoming a regular to watch over at the Guardian's CiF, considers the Anglican covenant.  Elsewhere, the Church is copping flak for trying to flog Auckland Castle. 

Totally unrelated, but I rather enjoyed this potted bio of Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson, who was one of the first female MPs (and included in Churchill's war cabinet, no less). 

I have been trying for some time this afternoon to write about the flying bishops.  Not because it's the most enormous thing since the Reformation and clearly shows that the CofE is in crisis.  It's nothing of the sort: 97% of CofE congregations don't require the services of a flying bishop. 

Rather, I think it's a good decision for them.  As Bishop Alan Wilson commented, they have found their "true spiritual home".  (Although what Roman Catholics who don't get the Ordinariate goody-bag will think about this remains, it seems, to be seen.)  And, although there are noises about replacement, I do hope that this will mark the beginning of the end for the flying bishopric because I really don't think that those who find reasons to discriminate should be entitled to special allowances that enable them to continue to do so. 

And that's why I've found it hard to write about this.  I have admired the many elegant and compassionate posts (for example, Benny, Lesley and Kelvin) who have not stooped to the pie-throwing that I struggle to avoid.  I struggle not to do that because this is a news story about people who believe that what's between your legs is more important than what's in your heart.  And that just doesn't fly. 

Although it would play brilliantly as Greek comedy.