ANGLO-CATHOLIC CONGRESS

Evening Star, Issue 18374, 7 September 1923, Page 3

ANGLO-CATHOLIC CONGRESS

MIXED RECEPTION IN LONDON. There was, as might have been expected, something in the nature of a fracas (writes a London correspondent) when the delegates to the Anglo-Catholic Conference assembled in Trafalgar square and walked there in procession. Each mitred bishop—there wore fortywalked between two deacons, wearing robes and black hi re Mas. Two ecclesiastics, with their heads uncovered, were followed by the Eastern Patriarch in splendid vestments. People m the crowd named the bishops whom they recognised, and many of those belonging to the London diocese knelt in the road to receive the blessing of their bishop as he passed. In the middle of the road opposite St. (Martin’s stood a man holding up a placard which bore on ono side the words “AngloCatholics aro traitors to Protestantism!” and on the other “ Priests will be Britain’s downfall!” When the bishops had gone up into the church some men in the crowd turned on this man. Slicks were brandished in the air, and there were shouts of “Smash it up.” The police intervened and removed the man to some distance, and presently ho resumed his patrol of the street.

Tho procession was the formal close of the conference, which made a striking and hitherto unheard-of decision to allow the filming of the sacraments. One film has already been made—that of Confirmation taken in an Essex church— and the Bishop of London, who three months ago vetoed the scheme, is satisfied with it, and has said it would bo of great educational value. It will bo shown in parish schools and other suitable places throughout England. It will not, of course, bo shown in any kinema house.

The proceedings of the congress were filmed—the Albert Hall meeting, tho St. Paul’s service, the procession, and everything else that its supporters at home would like to sea and that those present would like to recall.

There will bo no congress held again for at least three years, the view being that the work should now be concentrated on the parish. The enthusiasm shown during the present congress is considered to have been as great as in its famous predecessor. Tho sum of money collected was about £30,000.

At the opening meeting, hold in tho Albert Hall, the Bishop of London presided, and delivered a notably judicial addross. At a later stage the Bishop of Zanzibar announced that tho Bishop of London had asked that two of tho hymns printed in tho congress programme should not be sung. “ I appeal to you,” he added, “ who reverence our Lady Mary to remember that she is tho Queen of Courtesy, and out of courte;y to our president let us deny ourselves the joy of singing these hymns.” (Cheers.) Tli 3 hymns in question were “Through the streets of Heaven, Mary, thou dost tread,” and “Ave Maria., blessed Maid, Lily of Eden’s fragrant shade.”