ANGLICAN CHURCH PROPOSALS FOR VARIOUS REFORMS

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1947, Page 2

ANGLICAN CHURCH PROPOSALS FOR VARIOUS REFORMS

LONDON, May 20. The Convocation of Canterbury approved the preparation of a new translation of the Bible for use as the “ordinary man’s Bible for home reading”. The Archbishop of Canterbury, as president, referred to a report which would come before the convocation for the reform of canon law. He said this was the first step in the whole process of church reform. The canons were antiquated and obscure. This was a move to bring more order into the public affairs of the church of God.

The report opened up the prospect of possessing a body of canons to which obedience was required. That would restore the essential habits' of good order and good conduct. The convocation, however, could make '’anons only with the consent of the Crown, and the report fully recognised the rights of other authorities to advance views. Canon law revision would cover a large range of subjects, and the convocation must live up to its responsibilities. Dr. Simpson, Bishop of Southwark, moved in the Upper House that permission be granted to lay women to conduct parts of services and give addresses in the church.

Dr. MacMillan, Bishop of Guildford, said “Let us get out of our heads the old controversy, man versus woman. If there is a new way of getting the Gospel heard throughout the country, for God’s sake let us adopt it” Dr. Herbert, Bishop of Norwich, supported the resolution, but said there would be a minor revolution in some of his parishes if women were appointed. There was a strong ingrained prejudice, particularly among women, against tlie ministry of women. The House decided to refer the motion to a committee of the Upper House.