CHURCH LAW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 6, 8 January 1934, Page 7

CHURCH LAW.

ACTION REFUSED.

LIVERPOOL SERMONS.

Bishop David Replies to Lo*d

Hugh Cecil.

UNITARIANS IN THE PULPIT.

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, January 7. Refusing the request of Lord Hugh Cecil to take action against the Dean of Liverpool for permitting Unitarian ministers, td px - each in Liverpool Cathedral, the Bishop of .Liverpool, Dr. A. A. David, explains that the dean has expressed regret at having invited a Unitarian minister, the Rev. L. Kedl'ern, to preach the Assize Sermon at\_a. morning service, which is to be regarded as one of the regular Cathedral services. The Bishop adds: "I fully approved of the sermons which were preached by Dr. L. P. Jacks at non-liturgical evening services, as these were special services at which Anglican Cathedrals can offer hospitality." The Bishop reminds Lord Cecil of the rebuke which Christ administered to His disciples when they attempted to forbid some who "followed not us." He adds: "Regarding heretical doctrines, no preacher transgressed the honourable understanding which existed not to question Anglican doctrine."

A message from London on December 2S stated that Lord Hugh Cecil (Con.), M.P. for Oxford, had petitioned the Archbishop of York alleging that persons holding strange and erroneous doctrines and heretical opinions were permitted to preach in Liverpool Cathedral. Lord Cecil said ho contemplated legal action against the Bishop of Liverpool for permitting Unitarians to preach in the Cathedral. Dr. Jacks is principal of Manchester College, Oxford.

The Assize Sermon is preached in the Cathedral before the nidges at the opening of an Assize. It was the Assize Sermon preached by the Rev. John Keble on July 14, 1833, which gave rise to the Oxford movement. The sermon was published under the title of "National Apostasy," and this started the series of Tracts for the Times, which gave rise to the term Tractarian for Keble's sympathisers. The sermon was called "National Apostacy of the Church," and it inferred that the Church had forgotten its divine origin, and had become merely the handmaid of the State.