Fears, Hopes Expressed On Prayer Book Revision

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30270, 24 October 1963, Page 17

Fears, Hopes Expressed On Prayer Book Revision

“I tremble when I flunk that industrious hafts are going to be laid on this—well intentioned but unskilled.” Mr S. R. Cuming (St. Michael’s) told the Christchurch diocesan synod yesterday when it resumed debate cn the motion that synod commends the proposed calling for the appointment of a New Zealand commission to study the revision of the Book of Common Prayer and requesting that general synod permit controlled experimentation in use in rates "which are in accord with the doctrines of the Church of the Province of New Zealand.” The motion was passed unanimously Mr Cuming said he hoped that the revisers would call on the widest scholarship available within the Anglican. Communion. He said that the composition of worthy prayers for public use w’as almost a lost art. He thought modern prayers often said badly what the “Book of Common Prayer” said superbly and he hoped that there would not be too big a break with tradition and that the influence of great English prose would not be “thrown away” in the cause of restless experimentation.

"This new form of the prayer book is long overdue. The book is full of archaic language not understood by people who use it or need to use it.” said Mr H. S. Cordery (St. John’s Church, Latimer square). He had certain anxieties, however, that the new book should not contain anything which appeared contrary to scripture and that, above all, it avoid ambiguities. No revision of the prayer book could be undertaken unless the theology underlying it was revised, said the Rev. J. C. Thornton. This was a problem because the church in New Zealand was committed to the doctrine of the 1662 book. If this was so, revision would have to be confined to language only. Several practical changes and additions were suggested, including a special family service and a guest service designed for those outside the church by the

Rev. A. H. Teuton (Highfield) and a new two-part form of. the Baptism service suggested by Canon O. M. WiJiliams (Opawa). Asking those Who had anything to contribute to revision to place it on paper, the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) said he hoped that no-one would be fearful that something would be done to betray the heritage of the past. “I think this is a real step forward toward a book of common prayer which will serve this generation,” he Said.