CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1795, 28 June 1906, Page 2

CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

ROYAL COMMISSION’S REPORT.

By telegraph, Purwra Asa’r, Co»yrlai.B

London, Jnne 26.

The Royal Commission, of whioh Lord ’ St. Aldwyn is ChaitmaD, has presented a - report of an exhaustivo oharaeter. It is understood the Commission considers the irregularities in the Obuich of England are largely due to doubts as to whether references in the present rubric relate to the first or second Prayer Bock of Edward VII. The Commission recommends the preparation of a new rubrio, also that doctrinal questions arising tn the Courts should be referred to the Church authorities for an opinion, always reserving the rights of Parliament and a new ecclesiastical tribunal which may be appointed. Tho Commission considers individual irregularities described in the evidence exceptional, and that they are in nowise typica 1 . Reoeived 10-36 p.m.. Tune 27.

Lord St. Aldwoyn’s commission recommended that the two Houses of convocation should sit together and prepare new ornaments and rubrics, consider modification of other rubrics in relation to modern requirements, and shorter and more elastic services ; also that consideration should be given to the question of the Athauaßian creed. They recommend the abolition of tho Episcopal veto on prosecutions for ritualism. They reoommend that persistently contumacious clergymen be deprived and inhibited instead of imprisoned.' They propose a new oourt of appeal in ecclesiastical casce, and in order to meet the scruples of those hesitating to accept the Privy Council’s authority, questions of doctrine and ceremonial should be referred to the Episcopal Bench, whose rnlmg would bo final and acoepted by the courtThuß the authority of the State over • the church would be maintained.