PRINCE'S CHOICE REGRETTED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21966, 15 December 1936, Page 11

PRINCE'S CHOICE REGRETTED

* Comment By Leaders Of English Church RECALL TO RELIGION TO BE ISSUED tI'N'ITKD PRESS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT.) (Received December 14, 9.5 p.m.) 1 LONDON, December 13. During a religious service from the British Broadcasting Corporation's hall the Archbishop of Canterbury (the Most Rev. Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang) emphasised that no strife and no party clashes had attended the week of bewilderment, which was a wonderful proof of the stability of the Throne and the steadiness of the people. He mentioned that on December 11, on which day King James 11. fled from Whitehall, Prince Edward left Windsor Castle for exile in darkness, after explaining his motive with characteristic frankness. It was sad that for such a motive he had abandoned a trust so great and sought happiness in a manner inconsistent with Christian principles—marriage within a social circle whose standards and ways of life were alien to all the best traditions of his people. Members of that circle stood rebuked by the judgment of the nation. “We, remembering the high hopes of his youth and his eager service, commit him to God’s infinite mercy, wherever he be. A King has gone; God be with him. A King has come; God bless him and guide him now and for ever,” he said. The Archbishop concluded by announcing that he would broadcast to the nation on December 27 a solemn recall to the people to religion. The Very Rev. Dr. S. C. Carpen--1 ter, Dean of Exeter, said in an address that the church was relieved at the happy passing of a scandal which would have cheapened the Coronation, poisoned its sacredness, and robbed cities and villages of the simple happiness with which they would have greeted it and endangered the establishment, which might not have gone down the abyss alone. The Bishop of Bradford (the Rt. Rev. Dr. A. W. F. Blunt) asked Ilkley congregations to say special prayers for the King and the Empire. He expressed regret at Prince Edward’s decision and added that all sympathised with him in the starkness of his alternatives, but his choice had clearly been made from the first and had never altered. AMERICAN CHURCH OPINION ADMIRATION FOR FORTITUDE OF PEOPLE (Received December 14, 8.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 13. Most of the views expressed in the pulpits of all denominations in the United States are that Prince Edward should have chosen the Throne rather than Mrs Simpson. Most expressed satisfaction at the public demonstration that divorce is still a disability. Bishop Manning, in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, criticised Prince Edward and added: “We say to our brethren in Britain that they have our understanding and sympathy as well as our deep admiration for the way in which they ! ave met an unprecedented crisis in history.” Canadian clergymen also commented on the abdication. They praised the statesmanship of British leaders and the soundness of the British mentality in the crisis. MESSAGE FROM THE KING REPLY TO DOMINION’S GOOD WISHES QUEEN MARY’S CABLEGRAM TO GOVERNOR-GENERAL (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, December 14. His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Lord Galway, has received the following message from the King:— “The Queen and I greatly appreciate the kind message from Lady Galway and yourself. Please express to the Government and peoples of New Zealand our sincere thanks for their loyal assurance and good wishes.—George R. 1.” His Excellency to-day sent the following message to the King:— “On this your Majesty’s birthday, I beg to tender to your Majesty, with my humble duty, on behalf of the Government and peoples of all classes and both races in this Dominion and its dependencies, our most loyal and affectionate greetings and good wishes, and to assure you of their devotion to your Majesty’s Throne and person. —Galway.” The following reply was received by Lord Galway to a message sent to Queen Mary yesterday;— “My grateful .hanks to Lady Galway and you and to the Government and peoples of New Zealand for your kind message of sympathy.—Mary R.”