ANGLICAN G.O.M.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 47, 7 February 1928, Page 5

ANGLICAN G.O.M.

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AN OUTSTANDING YEAR. TRIBUTES AT CHURCH ASSEMBLY. IBy Cable — Pres, Assn. — Copyright.] (Received 7, 12.35 p.m.) (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, Feb. 6. The Church Assembly met to-day to consider the return to Parliament an amended form of the revised Prayer Book, which the House of Commons recently rejected. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who presided, was celebrating the 25th anniversary of his primacy. When he entered, there was a burst of applause, and the whole assembly rose in greeting.

The Archbishop of York, paying tribute to the Archbishop of Canterbury, pointed out that he had served a longer period than any of his predecessors for over 400 years. He spoke of Dr. Davidson’s singleminded, wise, and beneficial rule of the Church, and of the admiration, trust, and affection which the whole church had towards him. Th© Archbishop of York announced that a committee had been appointed in order that some special personal token might be presented to the Archbishop of Canterbury in this outstanding year in which, incidentally, he would also celebrate his golden wedding. The Archbishop of Canterbury reaches his eightieth birthday or April 7 and celebrates his golden wedding on November 12. THE AMENDED MEASURE. The Archbishop said the House of Bishops introduced the amended measure believing it to be the embodiment of ail considerations. He had submitted it to the three Houses of Assembly, and was endeavouring to meet the desires of all groups. The House of Bishops would consider any amendments ironi the Houses ot the Clergy and the Laity. He hoped that no ill-considered word would strengthen those who, because the skein is tangled, would ruthlessly cut out something characteristic of England life, telling, throughout the centuries, for public spirit and reverence for truth. LORD CECIL URGES TOLERATION. Lord Hugh Cecil was greeted with cheers when he said: “Substantial change in the measure will turn me and many supporters into violent opponents because it was nut anticipated that revision would provide benefits balancing the extreme mischief of accepting from Parliament. a substantial change regarding the ministry of the Word and Sacrament.” Toleration, he said ; should, be extended to those feeling passionately that the Church, and not Parliament, must determine strictly spiritual tilings in relation to the Sacrament. The State is not a minister of divine purpose for this. Voices: Why not? Lord Cecil: Because it has not been given them from on high. Lord Cecil added that important modification of the measure would render the whole enterprise futile. An amendment could not be enforced by appealing to the people’s conscience to obey the Church. “Wc can,” he said, “onlv carry opinion with us if the Bishops, clergy, and laity are seen to be acting freely and independently.” The discussion was adjourned. The three Houses, sitting separately on January 7, will consider approving the proposals.—(A. and N.Z.)