BISHOPS' LETTER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 272, 10 August 1908, Page 7

BISHOPS' LETTER.

LAMBETH CONFERENCE. MARRIACE AND DIVORCE. THE SOCIAL MISSION OP THE CHURCH. (Br TELEGRAPH—MESS ASSOCIATION—COMRIGUT.) (Itec. Aug. 9, 4.30 p.m.) London, August 8. The Archbishop of Canterbury lias issued an Encyclical letter as tho outcome of the Lambeth Conference of bishops representing the whole Anglican Communion. Referriug to the question of tho Christian faith in relation to modern thought, the Encyclical reaffirms the doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and tho historic creeds, and expresses tho opinion that materialism does not possess the strength and attractiveness it onco did.

The letter urges that schoolmasters and university teachers should remember tho pastoral aspect of their offices, and protests against any system of education which dods not fashion the child's, character in tho faith and fear of God It insists on the teaching of the Scriptures as tho basis of such work The anointing of the sick is not recommended as a rito of the Church, but tho practice is not forbidden. Family Life. Referring to marriage problems tho Encyclical deplores the terrible increase of facilities for divorce, and tho bishops reaffirm, by 87 votes to 84, the principles regarding divorce adopted by the Lambeth Conference in 1888. The bishops make no general declaration ; n reference to marriage with a deceased wife's sister. Tho Encyclical laments tho widespread prevalence of artificial avoidance and prevention of child-bearing. ' While recognising tho imperative necessity of effcctivc visible co-operation among Christian workers, tho Encyclical indicates the remoteness rather than nearness of tho corporate reunion of the churches of divided Christendom; nevertheless somo lines of definito practical approach are indicated the Encyclical stating "wo must constantly desiro not compromise, but comprehension; not uniformity, but unity."

How to Approach Reunion. The Conference considers it might bo possible to make an approach for the reunion of tho Anglican and Presbyterian or other non-episcopalian church, and recommends that bishops be permitted to assist at tho consecration of bishops of tho Moravian Brethren. Tho Conference directs tho Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a committee to irnprovo the methods of instruction in Suiiday Schools. / Local churches are authorised to adopt native forms of marriage, if not polygamous. ' Tho abolition of redundant rubrics to avoid repetition is recommended; also tho enrichment of the forms of service and worship, and also tho uso of alternative forms of worship.

Tho retranslation of the Athanasian Creed is advocated, leaving tho various churches to decide for themselves as to its uso.

The change of obscuro words in tho Book of Common Prayer and tho revision of the calendar and tho tables of lessons is recommended.

The bishops do not consider that it is d&sirablo to chatigo the manner of administering the Holy Communion, and declare tliat bread and wine alone are sanctioned. Relations With Other Churches. They favour tho strengthening of relations with the ancient Dutch Church and tho Old Catholic Church, especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and recommend tho .appointment of a committee to deal with relations to tho Orthodox Churches of 1 the East on various points, including tho permission to communicate. Tho bishops warn their people against marrying Roman Catholics, They advise that the social mission and social principles of Christianity should have a more prominent place in tho study and teaching of the Church both for the clergy and laity. , The Church of Australia and Tasmania is allotted one member on the reconstituted Central Consultative Board, and tho Church of New Zealand is also given one member. DIVORCE AND OTHER MATTERS. Regarding tho question of divorce tho Conference of 188S (referred to in the above cablecram) held that tlio teaching of Christ prohibited divorce for any cause except adultery, and that under no circumstances could the guilty party receive tho blessing of the Church; as to the remarriage of the innocent party, opinions had always differed in tho Church, and the Confernec did not recommend that the clergy should refuse Communion to those who under civil sanction were thus married. In connection with the Consultative Body mentioned in the cablegram it is interesting to note that at the Conference of 1897 it was proposed to create a Consultative Body, to which National Churches or Provinces might resort voluntarily for information or advice, and a resolution requested the Archbishun of Canterbury to take steps for the formation of such a Body. It is understood that such a Body was formed by Archbishop Temple, and that it has held more than one important meeting; but none of its proceedings have been made puuic. The Committee also drafted two resolutions in favour of creating a 'voluntary tribunal of reference, which was to consist of the two English Archbishops and tho Bishops of London, -Durham, and Winchester, with representatives elected by every province outside the British Isles which should agree to accept the decisions of the tribunal in proportion to the number of their dioceses. This scheme was discussed by the Conference, and, apparently, was ill received, since after discussion it was determined not to put the resolution to the vote. The Moravian Church is tho oldest among the organised Protestant Churches of England. It dates from 1-157. Half a century (1732) beforo tho beginning of modern missions its messengers wero preaching to tho heathen in Asia, Africa, Amorica, and tho West Indies. It led tho van in tho groat Evangelical Revival of the last century under the preaching of Wesley. Tho first printed Biblo issued in Europe in t;lio langungo of the common people, as also the first printed hymn book (1505) were both from its presses. In 1749 the Moravians wero recognised in England by Act of Parliament as an ancient, Protestant episcopal Church.