REVISION OF PRAYER BOOK

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1928, Page 7

REVISION OF PRAYER BOOK

ARCHBISHOP’S TANGLED SKEIN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. A. and N.Z. London, Feb. 6. The Archbishop of Canterbury reaches his eightieth birthday on April 7 and his golden wedding on November 12. Presiding over the Church Assembly, the Archbishop said the House of Bishops introduced the amended measure believing it to be the embodiment of all considerations. He had submitted it to the three Houses of the Assembly as endeavouring to meet the desires of all groups. The House of Bishops would cheerfully consider any amendments from the Houses of Clergy and Laity. He hoped that no ill-considered word would strengthen those who, because the skein was tangled, would ruthlessly cut out something throughout centuries for public spirit and reverence for truth. (British Official Wireless). Rugby, Feb. 6. The Chief Assembly sat to-day to consider the return to Parliament in an amended form of the revised Prayer Book, which the House of Commons recently rejected. The Arehbishon of Canterbury, who presided, was celebrating the twentyfifth 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 r z of his predecessors for over 400 years. He spoke of Dr. Davidson’s single-: linded, wise and beneficent rule of the church and of the admiration, trust and affection which the whole chureh had towards him. The 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 ct'cbrate his golden wedding. Received Feb. 7, 5.5 p.m. A. and N.Z. London, Feb. 6. Lord Hugh Cecil was greeted with cheers when lie said that a substantial change in the measure would turn many supporters into violent opponents because it was not anticipated that the revision would provide benefits balancing the extreme mischief of accepting from Parliament a substantial change regarding the ministry. Word and Sacrament toleration should be extended to those feeling passionately that the Church and not Parliament must determine strictly spiritual things in relation to the Sacrament. The State was 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 an 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 if they were asked to obey the House of Commons. What High Churchmen would obey the House of Commons if, in that position as upholders of the old Prayer Book, it was untouched ? Voices: No! Lord Cecil: The clergy at any rate are unaffected. (Renewed “Noes!”) Lord Cecil: We can only carry public 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. They will consider approving the proposals.