RESULTS OF CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 42, 18 August 1930, Page 9

RESULTS OF CONFERENCE

British Official Wireless. EUGBY, 15th August The decisions of the Lambeth CiblJforence, at which were present 300 Bishops representative of the Anglican, communion all over the world, were published on. Friday. In addition to a letter signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, they contain reports of the committees and seventy-five resolutions dealing with matters of doctrine and Church organisations in relation to current sooial and scientific questions. Among the subjects thus dealt with are marriage, Christian unity, the nature aud status of the Anglican communion, training for Holy Orders, women and the Ministry, and youth and its vocation.

The primary subject before the Conference, it was explained, was the urgent need in the face of many erroneous conceptions for a fresh presentation of the Christian doctrine of God, and the view was taken that much of philosophical and scientific thinking of the* present times provides 'an atmosphere more favourable to faith than had existed for generations. One item of Christian reunion refers to the South India Church Union scheme, in which the Anglicans, "Wcsleyans, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists were concerned, and gives a general approval to an experiement expressing the hope that it may some clay lead to a united Church for all India.

The early restoration of communion, with the orthodox churches of the East and with old Catholics is hoped for, and the Archbishop of Canterbury is to appoint commissions of theologians to confer with representatives of these churches. This marks the opening of definite negofcja* tions with Eastern orthodox churches and old Catholics.

Of supreme importance is the keynote of the declarations on marriage and sex. The obligation of parenthood is emphasised, and its selfish avoidance is condemned. As for birth control under safeguards and with qualifies*tions, the Conference agrees that other methods than that of abstinence mtj-j; be used, provided this is done in, th'« light of Christian principles.