In which the quiet town of Barchester finds itself unsettled by a provocative sermon from a new clergyman whose doctrines offend the established clergy and divide the city's good people into parties both scandalised and intrigued. A solemn council of dignified churchmen resolves to restrict his preaching, while his youthful supporters rally in spirited defence, setting the stage for a contest between tradition and change in this venerable cathedral city.