BISHOPS IN CONCLAVE

Evening Star, Issue 18253, 18 April 1923, Page 6

BISHOPS IN CONCLAVE

“THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER.”

Press Association---By Telegraph—Copyright.

LONDON, April. 17.

(Received April 18, at 9.40 a.m.)

A meeting of bishops at Church House discussed the revision of the PraydJ Book.

The Archbishop of Canterbury asked the bishops to give general approval to the changes, which would bo merely fulfilling the demand that has been pressing for half a century.

The Bishop of Chichester (Dr Burrows), in moving that general approval be given, said there would be no legal necessity compelling any of the clergy or their congregations to adopt the change, The Bishop of Truro (Dr Wnrman), in seconding the motion, said lie did not pretend that the measure was perfect. Personally ho disliked the idea, of the use of alternative book,si, Altogthcr it would be an ill day for the Church of England if it allowed itself to be a pale shadow of the Church of Rome.

The Bishop of Durham (Dr Hensley Henson) said he would vote for the bishops’ general approval, but with important reservations, The proposed changes were largely in the nature of concessions to a law-breaking party. Tho real issue was the assurance of the authority of tho Church of England over her own clergy. To spend time in framing new rubrics which would not, be obeyed was to plough the sands.

Tho discussion was adjourned.—A. and N.Z. Cable.