PRAYER BOOK

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27795, 21 October 1955, Page 3

PRAYER BOOK

Sir, —The anxiety of your correspondent “Perturbed Layman” of September 23, concerning the proposal to authorise the use of section of the rejected 1928 Prayer Book, is shared by others, and is unlikely to be allayed by the assurance of the Bishop of Christchurch that doctrinal changes cannot be effected by the Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch. That this is true does not alter the fact that the passing of the proposed measure will, in effect, give official sanction to a Romish and unscriptural practice that was firmly rejected at the Reformation, namely, prayers for the dead. It is hoped that the members of Synod will give more than superficial consideration to a proposal, the passing of which would bring to many faithful members of the Church of England deep and lasting apprehension.— Yours, etc., PERTURBED LAYMAN NO. 2. October 10, 1955. [The Bishop of Christchurch, when asked to comment, said that the matter was very fully discussed in Synod, and the results were reported in “The Press.”]

Sir, —I entirely agree with “Laywoman.” To one who has spent tne whole of his life in active service in the Anglican Church the decision reached by Synod regarding the Prayer Book is most distressing. The thanks of many will go out to those courageous persons who, supported by Scripture, opposed the measure which, although passed by Synod, does not, I am certain, represent the view of the majority of church people, who were not consulted and in the main did not even know of the proposal. Finally, I would say that a debate of such importance was not the place for the use of a perverted sense of humour. —Yours, etc., LAYMAN. October 20, 1955.