WHAT WILL NEXT MOVE BE? IS QUERY OF CHURCHMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18341, 19 December 1927, Page 11

WHAT WILL NEXT MOVE BE? IS QUERY OF CHURCHMEN.

DISESTABLISHMENT TALK AROUSES MANY DOUBTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December 16. Ecclesiastical authorities point out that it is quite possible that the Convocation may ignore the decision of the House of Commons on the new Prayer Book, and declare the measure accepted by the law of the Church. That would mean disestablishment, but it would have the tactical advantage of compelling Parliament to take action in its own defence. However, it is unlikely that this course will be adopted. Disestablishment is not easy, as if the King were no longer compelled to belong to the Anglican Church there would be no reason why he should not be a Methodist or a Roman Catholic. The Protestant Alliance has issued a statement that there need be no talk of disestablishment, because the Church is an integral part of the nation’s Protestantism, nor need there be chaos. It only remains for the Bishops to take action. There need be no appearance of martyrdom. It is simply a case of putting the right men in the right place. Certain closely interested parties say that they would not be surprised if some Bishops resigned. New Books Printed. So certain were the authorities that a majority for the new Book was assured that they fixed Convocations for both Canterbury and York for Monday, on the assumption that the Royal assent would be given early next week. The Bishops must now decide whether or not they will hold these meetings. In the second place, there is a question of the University printing presses, which, as privileged publishers, have prepared the type for a tremendous issue. About ‘IOO,OOO paper-covered books have already been published. Question of Discipline. The most serious aspect of all, however, is the question of discipline. Practices which are illegal according to the old Book have proceeded undisturbed, because the authorities counted on their being legalised in the new Book. Already the more extreme Protestants are demanding the enforcement of discipline against the AngloCatholics, on the grounds of their illegal practices in this connection. The Primate’s message undoubtedly came as a steadying influence. Views of liberal Party. Not the -least interesting aspect of the division was the state of the parties. Labour voted: In favour 35, against 53; Conservative, 167 and 161; Liberals, 2 and 23; Independent, 3 and 3. The mass of Liberal opinion against revision gives interest to Sir John Simon’s declaration at Bradford to-day, when he said that it was the State connection which had caused the difficulty. If the day ever came when the Church, of its own free will, assumed a position claiming in matters .of liturgy and doctrine freedom from Parliamentary control, none would be more ready to support and defend her claim than the Liberal members of the House of Commons. Statements by Bishops. Commenting on the position, Dr Barnes, Bishop of Birmingham, says: “ The House of Commons has shown that it will not surrender the heritage of the Reformation. I urge the majority of the Bishops to show magnaminity and so ensure that non-contentious proposals will be introduced and will speedily become law. Simultaneously there must be reform in Church law and Church courts, so that when a man breaks the solemn oaths and promises made at his induction, he can be deprived of his Jiving.” The Bishop of Lincoln says: “The vote is -simply deplorable. It is so serious that I prefer silence, pending mature consideration.” The. Bishop of Plymouth declared: “ It is the heaviest blow struck at the Church in my lifetime.” The Bishop of Ely said: “It is a blow to unity, discipline, progress and reality in Church worship.” The Bishop of Hereford said: “The rejection of the motion raises most serious questions, but I hope that the rule of charity will not be forgotten.” The Bishop of Sodor and Man declared : “ The Kingdom of God does not depend on human statesmanship. We shall be heavily handicapped, but we must bravely carry on.” Bishop Fordsham, vicar of Halifax, says: “ The rejection makes little difference to public worship. It means rather a postponement of a practical attempt to unite and strengthen episcopal administration.” The Bishop of Liverpool says: “ The decision means spiritual disaster. The Church must be gravely weakened for many years by the refusal of Parliament to endorse its leaders’ policy.” The Bishop of Bradford says that he is greatly disappointed, but quiet consideration is needed to discover the best course to promote the welfare of the Church and the nation.