FIXING EASTER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 375, 17 March 1932, Page 1

FIXING EASTER.

Holy See in Rome Holds Key Position. ARCHBISHOP S OPINION. United Press Aasn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 15. In the House of Lords, Lord Desborough raised the question of putting into operation the Easter Act, 1928, fixing the date of Easter Sundav as the day following the second Saturdav of April. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Lang, said that there was unanimity among industrial, commercial, educational and judicial interests in favour of the convenience of a fixed Easter, and the ecclesiastical authorities had no objection on the grounds of dogma or essential principles. The Church of England strongly felt, however, that there should be no change until all the leading Christian communities consented. The Holy See in Rome held the key position. He hoped it would consent. The Earl of Lucan said that the Government favoured the Act, and hoped that all religious bodies would consent. The Easter Act, 1928, provides that from a date to be fixed by Order-in-Council, Easter Day shall be the first Sunday after the second Saturday in April. The order cannot be made until a draft <pf the order has been laid before both Houses and approved. In framing the order the officially expressed opinion of any Church or other Christian body must receive consideration.